Two Australians found alive in Nepal flood disaster

Two Australian citizens were rescued from a hydropower tunnel in Nepal after being trapped for nine days following a devastating flood disaster. The flood, caused by a glacier collapse, has resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 5,000 people missing. Australian Red Cross head Nicole Batch explained that infrastructure damage, such as collapsed bridges and poor road access, has made it challenging for survivors to contact loved ones.

Nepal Telecom reported that mobile services had been restored to disaster-hit regions, but the damage caused delays and limited contact opportunities. Australian authorities have confirmed that 36 Australians are missing, down from an initial 36, as two survivors were pulled alive from the tunnel. The rescuers were guided by voices heard inside the tunnel by Nepali army members.

The federal government has deployed 19 officials and disaster response specialists to the region, with more to be sent in the coming days. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has offered condolences to Nepal's government, pledging continued efforts to locate the remaining Australians. Aid supplies, including hygiene kits and solar lights, have arrived in Kathmandu, and the government plans to provide an additional $3 million to match public donations, totaling $11 million in humanitarian support.