‘So desperately loved’: ADF member among dozens of Australians missing in Nepal floods as families pray for safe return
News Source
•Fri, 28 Aug 2026 18:32:57 GMT
📰 What Happened
More than 1,900 people are missing after flash floods tore through the Nepal-Tibet border region. The death toll stands at at least 584. A wall of water slammed down the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers on Wednesday morning, catching workers and pilgrims by surprise.
Among the missing are dozens of Australians, including Karan Bhardwaj, a 40-year-old air force member from Brisbane. His family say they are 'desperately praying' he is safe. A Sydney family of four with two sons, plus other trekkers heading to Mount Kailash, also lost contact when the flood hit.
One Australian woman has been confirmed safe after contacting her family on Friday. Other families told the Guardian they are 'really worried, but hopeful' as rescue efforts continue.
🔍 The Backstory
The flood disaster hit a region already known for dangerous mountain weather. Hydropower projects on the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers employed hundreds of the missing workers. Experts warn climate change is making mountain areas like Nepal unstable.
Australians were in the area for a Hindu pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Groups like Himalayan Glacier Adventures were guiding trekkers to an immigration checkpoint at the border. Many had trained for months for the difficult walk.
Families say official information is hard to get. They have contacted Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The government has announced a $5m support package for Australians affected by the disaster.
🎯 Why It Matters
Disasters far from home can still touch Australian families. These floods show how quickly a holiday or pilgrimage can turn deadly. They also remind us that climate change is raising the risk of extreme floods in mountain regions around the world.
More than 1,900 people are missing after flash floods tore through the Nepal-Tibet border region. The death toll stands at at least 584. A wall of water slammed down the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers on Wednesday morning, catching workers and pilgrims by surprise.
Among the missing are dozens of Australians, including Karan Bhardwaj, a 40-year-old air force member from Brisbane. His family say they are 'desperately praying' he is safe. A Sydney family of four with two sons, plus other trekkers heading to Mount Kailash, also lost contact when the flood hit.
One Australian woman has been confirmed safe after contacting her family on Friday. Other families told the Guardian they are 'really worried, but hopeful' as rescue efforts continue.
The flood disaster hit a region already known for dangerous mountain weather. Hydropower projects on the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers employed hundreds of the missing workers. Experts warn climate change is making mountain areas like Nepal unstable.
Australians were in the area for a Hindu pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Tibet. Groups like Himalayan Glacier Adventures were guiding trekkers to an immigration checkpoint at the border. Many had trained for months for the difficult walk.
Families say official information is hard to get. They have contacted Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The government has announced a $5m support package for Australians affected by the disaster.
Disasters far from home can still touch Australian families. These floods show how quickly a holiday or pilgrimage can turn deadly. They also remind us that climate change is raising the risk of extreme floods in mountain regions around the world.