An Australian hiker stranded by recent floods in Nepal has made contact with her family, providing a rare sign of hope amid the ongoing crisis that has left dozens of Australians missing in the region. Cara Severino, 26, became the first confirmed Australian known to have survived the disaster after reaching out to her parents on Friday from a remote mountain area.

Severino, who was trekking the Langtang route in the Himalayas, had been cut off by the severe flooding. Her parents, Debbie and Frank Severino, said she made contact from Gosaikunda, a scenic lake area, after being stranded at Kyangjia Gompa. It is understood that Severino was attempting to reach Kathmandu on foot, along with a group of Nepalese hikers. The family has called for continued prayers and support while awaiting more information about her safe return.

The flash floods, which struck the northern Rasuwa district near the Nepal-Tibet border, have devastated the region and prompted a mounting search-and-rescue operation. Authorities have identified several Australians as missing, intensifying concerns for those caught in the disaster.

Among the missing is Michael Keats, 37, an outdoor education leader described by his family as a “beautiful soul.” Keats, who regularly organized men’s outdoor camps and leadership trips, was trekking near the Himalayan border when the floods hit. His family expressed deep distress over his disappearance, with friends organizing prayer gatherings in his honor. Nepalese police listed Keats among 39 Australians unaccounted for, with official records noting his association with the Trekkers’ Society.

Another missing individual is Karan Bhardwaj, a 40-year-old Australian Defence Force member serving in the Royal Australian Air Force. Based in Brisbane, Bhardwaj’s family has publicly appealed for information, urging him to “keep fighting” as worsening weather conditions hinder rescue efforts. His sister emphasized the emotional toll on the family, highlighting his role as a father and loved family member.

The husband of Sydney woman Sumi Adhikari, also reported missing, has traveled to Nepal in search of answers. Adhikari was at a border immigration center with a group of Australians, including Newcastle resident Reshma Patel, when flash floods struck the area. Patel’s family has not received any updates since the incident.

Several pilgrimage groups organized by Himalayan Glacier Adventures, including families from Sydney, remain unaccounted for. The group, which included Umesh and Krishna Sharma, as well as the Iyer and Muralitharan families, had been en route to Mt Kailash, a sacred site straddling the Nepal-Tibet border. Among those missing are children Ashwin and Aarush Muralitharan, aged 11 and 14. Their family and friends have described the parents as exceptionally kind and caring.

Relatives of other missing Australians, including Uday and Kripa Shivamurthy, who were returning from a pilgrimage to Mt Kailash, remain hopeful despite conflicting reports and challenging search conditions. Authorities continue their efforts amid heavy rains and hazardous terrain, while families of the missing hold on to hope for their safe return.