Dire fears for missing as five Aussies found post-flood

Australian officials remain deeply worried for the remaining 38 Australians still unaccounted for in the Nepal-Tibet flood disaster zone, despite confirming five citizens safe. Federal Labor Minister Anne Aly highlighted the logistical challenges in locating these missing individuals, citing communication issues as a major concern.

Five Australians were confirmed safe by authorities in Nepal and Tibet, while three others were found outside the affected area. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade fielded nearly 800 calls related to the disaster. Luke Costanzo, a 30-year-old Australian on a pilgrimage trek, was among the five confirmed safe, having made contact with authorities in Tibet on Tuesday.

The bodies of the flood victims have been buried in mass graves in Kathmandu following DNA sample collection. The incident, triggered by a glacier collapse on August 26, resulted in over 1000 confirmed deaths and widespread destruction, including the washing away of 40km of highway and at least 68 bridges.