Desperate wait continues as hundreds attend Nepal vigil

Hundreds gathered for a vigil in Melbourne's Federation Square to mourn the victims and those still missing from devastating floods in Nepal. Victorian Premier Ben Carroll, alongside Foreign Minister Penny Wong, attended the event and pledged financial support. The Australian government has sent a 12-person response team and pledged millions of dollars in aid, including hygiene kits and solar lights.

Four members of the Iyer family remain missing, with their partner expressing concern over the dwindling critical window for survival. Australia has confirmed 43 Australians are still missing, including several from Sydney and the Sunshine Coast. Organisations from the Emergency Action Alliance are working intensively to provide immediate relief such as search and rescue, water, shelter, and food distribution.

As many as 70 schools were destroyed in the floods, and 70 children have been reunited with their families. The diplomatic community in Kathmandu has been bolstered with additional personnel to aid in the search efforts.