Families of Australians reported missing in the devastating floods along the Nepal-China border are expressing frustration and distress over delays and confusion in obtaining information from Chinese authorities. The disaster, which struck on August 26, has resulted in a death toll surpassing 700, with more than 3,000 people still unaccounted for.
Among those missing are at least 42 Australians, including 11 members of a tour group affiliated with the Isha Foundation. The group was attempting to re-enter Nepal through the Gyirong border crossing when flash floods and mudslides destroyed the immigration building they were queued to enter. A guide from the group sent a message at 9:05 a.m. local time reporting that they had begun lining up for visas; nine minutes later, floodwaters engulfed the six-storey structure, an event captured on nearby CCTV footage. Satellite images before and after the flood confirm the building was completely wiped out.
Australian authorities confirmed six citizens were missing on the Chinese side of the border, but families say information from Beijing has been slow and indirect. Sources in Kathmandu stated that the Chinese embassy in Nepal refused to communicate directly with Australian diplomats, instead redirecting inquiries to Beijing, contributing to a lack of clarity and mounting frustration among relatives.
Among those missing are Sunshine Coast mother Renee Spry, who was on a spiritual pilgrimage to Mt Kailash with the Trekkers Society and the Isha Foundation group. Renee was reportedly inside the immigration building minutes before the disaster struck. Her sister, Dr. Clair Spry, described her as a deeply spiritual and generous person who would want attention focused on Nepal's broader humanitarian crisis, particularly on displaced families and children. Renee’s family, including her husband and two daughters, are awaiting news and have received support through vigils and crowdfunding efforts.
Other survivors and those missing include Kripa and Uday Shivamurthy, Sumi Adhikari, Bharat Mangwani from Sydney; Reshma Patel from Newcastle; Michael Keats from the New South Wales south coast; Shivaprasad Nayaka from Melbourne; Luke Costanzo; Bhoomi Patel; and Gopi Agastya. Michael Keats’s partner publicly mourned him, describing his pilgrimage as a journey seeking spiritual enlightenment.
In Australia, the government has increased its humanitarian response with an additional A$3 million in aid, raising total contributions to A$8 million. This support includes emergency supplies such as hygiene kits and solar lighting, set to be delivered by the Royal Australian Air Force at Nepal’s request. A 12-person Australian response team has been deployed to assist in locating missing citizens, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has handled nearly 600 inquiries related to the disaster.
Community vigils have been held in Brisbane and are planned in Melbourne, where Nepalese-Australian leaders have emphasized the emotional toll on their communities and expressed cautious hope for the safe return of missing individuals. Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have expressed grave concerns for those still unaccounted for, underscoring the ongoing challenges faced in rescue and recovery efforts amid warnings of further flash flooding in the region.