Missing Australian woman found safe after Nepal floods

Australian woman Cara Severino, who went missing in Nepal during severe flooding, has been found and is now travelling to a safe location, according to an overnight confirmation from foreign affairs minister Penny Wong's office.

Australian consular officials tracked her down along a trekking route, driving by four-wheel-drive to Kathmandu to reach her. She is now in direct contact with both officials and her family.

Minister's response

Wong described the news as a rare bright spot amid a disaster that has caused enormous loss and continuing uncertainty. She said she had personally spoken with Severino and was relieved to confirm her safety, adding that Severino had also been able to speak with her own family. At the same time, Wong cautioned that serious concerns remain for other Australians still unaccounted for, given the massive scale of the flooding's impact. She said consular staff continue working alongside local authorities to locate and assist those affected, including Australians still missing.

Severino's account

Following her rescue, Severino issued a statement thanking those who helped her survive. She credited a group she teamed up with on the first day, after entering a national park by tractor, naming several local people who helped her reach safety. She also described encountering a man hiking toward the village of Thulu Safru who had lost his entire family after his town was destroyed. Severino expressed sympathy for Nepalese families grieving loved ones and for those still awaiting news of missing relatives, saying she understood the toll it had taken given what her own family and friends experienced. She also expressed gratitude to the Australian embassy and government for their support throughout the ordeal.