Nepal-Tibet flood disaster wrap: Thousands missing including 42 Aussies, rising flood waters threaten searches

Rescuers are continuing to scour mud-soaked terrain across Nepal and Tibet as authorities race to search for survivors of devastating flash floods that have killed hundreds and left thousands missing.

At least 691 people have been declared dead and almost 3,000 remain unaccounted for following Wednesday’s disaster that struck the Nepal-Tibet region after the collapse of a Himalayan glacier triggered catastrophic flooding.

The number of Australians still missing has risen to 42, including six people believed to be on the Chinese side of the Nepal-Tibet border.

Amid the harrowing uncertainty, the family of Australian hiker Cara Severino has shared their relief after the 26-year-old was found safe.

Ms Severino was located by Australian consular officials on Saturday night after becoming caught in the disaster while hiking in Nepal’s Langtang National Park.

“We are so thankful for God’s protection over her and for giving her the strength and resilience in this situation,” a statement from Debbie and Frank Severino read.

“Seeing Cara’s name appear on my message bank, hearing her voice and now seeing her photo and speaking with her has been the most miraculous gift.”

The family thanked Australian consular response teams for their efforts to locate their daughter, while acknowledging the anguish being experienced by families still waiting for news of their loved ones circumstances.

“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,” they said.

Ms Severino has also spoken publicly about her experience, saying she felt “blessed to be Australian” following the support she received from the Australian government and embassy.

She also thanked three other hikers who she met on the first day of her trip.

“Sudha, Lucas, Samir and Saugat. It’s thanks to these amazing people I got out safely,” she said.

While relieved to have survived, Ms Severino said she was heartbroken to witness the devastation caused by the catastrophic flooding disaster.

“My heart goes out to all the Nepalese families who are grieving loved ones,” she added.