Partner of missing Australian in Nepal says waiting for news has been 'hell'

A week has passed since the devastating Nepal-Tibet flood, and 23-year-old Sarada Viswanathan remains resolute in her search for her missing partner, Rishab Iyer. The pair, along with their parents and brother, were traveling together on a Hindu pilgrimage in Nepal, but have not been heard from since Wednesday. Ms Viswanathan, living in north-west Sydney, has established a DIY search operation, constantly monitoring tracking websites and location data for any clue regarding the whereabouts of the Iyers.

The hotel they were staying at, the Royal Himalaya Hotel & Lodge, is situated close to the river that experienced flooding. Ms Viswanathan has also launched a petition to urge the Australian government to send defense force personnel to aid in the search and rescue efforts. Despite the government's $8 million aid commitment and the dispatch of a crisis response team, Nepal has declined offers of foreign rescue assistance.

Ms Viswanathan, a childhood friend and medical student of Rishab, vows to continue her search until news is confirmed, expressing her unwavering commitment to bringing her loved ones home.