Missing Australian Woman Found Safe in Nepal Floods; Other Australians Still Unaccounted For

Cara Severino, an Australian citizen who had been missing following severe floods in Nepal, has now been located and is in contact with authorities. This positive development was confirmed by the office of Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong.

Overnight, the minister's office reported that Severino was being safely transported with the assistance of Australian consular officials. These officials had traveled by four-wheel-drive to Kathmandu to reach her along a trekking route.

Minister Wong stated:

This is a rare piece of positive news amid a disaster that has brought immense loss and uncertainty… I have spoken directly with her and am very pleased to know she is safe. She has also spoken with her family, which I know will be a great relief to them.

While this is a welcome development, there remain grave concerns for the other Australians who are still unaccounted for, given the tremendous scale of the flooding and its impact.

Australian consular teams are actively collaborating with local authorities to locate and assist all individuals affected by the disaster, including other Australian citizens who remain unaccounted for, according to Wong.

Severino expressed her deep gratitude to the individuals in Nepal who aided her in reaching safety during the "devastating" floods. In a statement released by the foreign affairs minister’s office, she said:

I’m so grateful for the crew we formed on that first day when we entered the national park on the tractor. Sudha, Lucas, Samir and Saugat. It’s thanks to these amazing people I got out safely.

My heart goes out to all the Nepalese families who are grieving loved ones. 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.

I feel for the families of those still missing, I know how much my family and friends went through.

Blessed to be from Australia and have the Embassy and Australian Government giving so much support.

The news of Severino's safety comes as other Australians are still missing following the severe flooding in Nepal. The Australian consular officials are continuing their efforts to locate them.