Source : Perth Now news
Rescuers are continuing to scour mud-soaked terrain across Nepal and Tibet as authorities race to search for survivors of devastating flash floods that have killed hundreds and left thousands missing.
At least 734 people have been declared dead and almost 3,000 remain unaccounted for following Wednesday’s disaster that struck the Nepal-Tibet region after the collapse of a Himalayan glacier triggered catastrophic flooding.
The number of Australians still missing has risen to 42, including six people believed to be on the Chinese side of the Nepal-Tibet border.
Amid the harrowing uncertainty, the family of Australian hiker Cara Severino has shared their relief after the 26-year-old was found safe.
Ms Severino was located by Australian consular officials on Saturday night after becoming caught in the disaster while hiking in Nepal’s Langtang National Park.
“We are so thankful for God’s protection over her and for giving her the strength and resilience in this situation,” a statement from Debbie and Frank Severino read.
“Seeing Cara’s name appear on my message bank, hearing her voice and now seeing her photo and speaking with her has been the most miraculous gift.”
The family thanked Australian consular response teams for their efforts to locate their daughter, while acknowledging the anguish being experienced by families still waiting for news of their loved ones circumstances.
“The scale of this tragedy is staggering and amidst our personal joy we continue to stand in prayer with the many families here in Australia, in Nepal and around the world who have lost loved ones or are still waiting to hear from them. We know that the waiting is horrendous,” they said.
Ms Severino has also spoken publicly about her experience, saying she felt “blessed to be Australian” following the support she received from the Australian government and embassy.
She also thanked three other hikers who she met on the first day of her trip.
“Sudha, Lucas, Samir and Saugat. It’s thanks to these amazing people I got out safely,” she said.
While relieved to have survived, Ms Severino said she was heartbroken to witness the devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding disaster.
“My heart goes out to all the Nepalese families who are grieving loved ones,” she added.
“We passed a guy hiking up to Thulu Safru who lost his whole family when their whole town was destroyed. It’s just so devastating and undeserving.”
Ms Severino was hiking in the Langtang National Park with “some other Nepalese hikers” when the floods crashed through the region on Wednesday.
Her account came as rescue operations face further dangers, with authorities warning that rising water levels could threaten crews working in already devastated areas.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) issued an alerting over worsening conditions along the Bhotekoshi River.
“We have received information that the flood flow in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa has increased further,” the warning read.
“Therefore, all personnel engaged in search, rescue and relief operations, those in riverside areas, and everyone else in affected areas including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Chitwan are requested to exercise caution.”
Meanwhile Australia has ramped up its consular response as authorities continue efforts to establish the whereabouts of missing Australians.
Eight additional personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Crisis Response and Rapid Response teams have arrived in Kathmandu, bringing the total number of Australian response personnel in the region to 12.
Around 20 other DFAT staff were already in Nepal.
The expanded team is working with Nepali authorities on communications, logistics and planning, aswell as assessing the humanitarian impact of the disaster.
The Australian government has also strengthened its travel advice.
A new Smartraveller warning urged Australians to reconsider heading to areas within 50 kilometres of the Trishuli Rive in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Nawalpur and Gorkha districts because of flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage and the possibility of further flooding.
“We now advise reconsider your need to travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Trishuli River in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Nawalpur and Gorkha Districts, due to severe flooding, landslides, significant infrastructure damage and the risk of further flooding,” the alert read.
“On 26 August, major flash flooding and mudslides in the Nepal-China border area, around the Rasuwagadhi-Gyirong crossing point, caused significant damage and a high number of casualties and injuries. Roads, transport networks and other infrastructure have been severely affected.
“There remains a high risk of further flooding, landslides and debris flows in affected areas.
“Continued heavy rainfall may worsen conditions, causing rivers and lakes to overflow. Conditions can change rapidly with little warning. Avoid riverbanks, waterways and flood-affected areas. Seek higher ground if necessary, and follow the advice of local authorities.”
