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The family of an Australian woman thought to have been missing in the Nepalese floods has said her survival was a “miracle”, as they thanked the Australian government and Nepalese hiking partners who got her out safely.
Cara Severino, 26, was listed as missing following the devastating floods which swept across regions in Nepal and China on Wednesday. At least 41 Australians remain unaccounted for, while thousands of people are dead or missing.
Severino managed to contact her parents on Friday after two days’ hiking through the devastated area. She was located by consular officials in Nepal on Saturday, who drove out from Kathmandu to meet her.
Severino’s parents, Debbie and Frank, said they were “beyond relieved and elated” that she had been found safe.
“We can’t wait to hold her in our loving arms,” they said in a statement distributed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on Sunday.
“Seeing Cara’s name appear on my MessageBank, hearing her voice and now seeing her photo and speaking with her has been the most miraculous gift.”
The pair thanked their church, Jesus, family and friends who had prayed for the “miracle”, as well as the Australian consular response teams and local teams.
“We are so grateful to her Nepalese hiking partners who saw her through a harrowing several days of hiking in very difficult terrain, so thankful that they have all made it to safety,” they said.
“The scale of this tragedy is staggering, and amidst our personal joy we continue to stand in prayer with the many families here in Australia, in Nepal and around the world who have lost loved ones or are still waiting to hear from them … We know that the waiting is horrendous.”
The pair encouraged people to donate via the Emergency Action Alliance webpage.
Cara Severino said in a statement on Saturday that she felt “blessed” to be Australian and to have support from the embassy and the government.
“I’m so grateful for the crew we formed on that first day when we entered the national park on the tractor. Sudha, Lucas, Samir and Saugat. It’s thanks to these amazing people I got out safely,” she said.
“I feel for the families of those still missing – I know how much my family and friends went through.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said on Sunday his “thoughts and prayers” were with the families of those missing and the people of Nepal.
“The tragedy in Nepal [has] resulted in such devastation, loss of life, potentially including so many Australians still among the missing,” he said at the Queensland Labor State Conference.
“That something so devastating could occur in such an awesome and inspiring corner of the world during times of pilgrimage and holiday makes the blow seem even more heartbreaking … Australia is responding with significant consular rescue and humanitarian aid.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said she was concerned about the Australians still missing.
“There remain grave concerns for the other Australians who are still unaccounted for, given the tremendous scale of the flooding and its impact,” Wong said on Saturday.
Most of the 41 Australians still missing were pilgrims on a journey to one of the most spiritually significant locations in the world. The list of the Australians missing can be found here.
More than 3700 people have been rescued in Nepal so far. Australia has announced a $5 million assistance package for affected communities.
Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).
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Amber Schultz is a crime and justice reporter with The Sydney Morning Herald.Connect via X or email.From our partners
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