KATHMANDU: A total of 43 Australians remain missing near the Nepal-China border following a devastating flood in the Bhote Koshi river that severely damaged Gyirong port and surrounding areas in Rasuwa, according to reports.
The missing individuals were travelling near the border area after embarking on or returning from a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a sacred site for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. Among those missing is Renee Spree, a mother of two from the Sunshine Coast, who arrived at Gyirong port minutes before the flood hit. Melbourne couple Siddharth Kumari Sahu, 39, and her husband Sandeep Mahapatra, 43, who were travelling with a Kailash Journeys tour group, are also unaccounted for.
Additionally, 45-year-old Sydney IT worker Gopi Krishna Naidu Agastya, who was travelling with an Isha Foundation group, was inside the immigration building at the Gyirong border crossing when the flood struck. Families and friends in Australia continue to appeal for assistance while hoping for their safe return.
Meanwhile, the Australian government announced an increase in humanitarian assistance for Nepal to 8 million Australian dollars.
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite stated that the funds will be used to provide hygiene kits, solar lights, and other essential supplies to affected regions where power and telecommunications infrastructure suffered extensive damage. The Australian Defence Force is preparing to transport the supplies to Nepal in the coming days.
