{"id":3296,"date":"2026-08-28T10:36:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-28T10:36:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/?p=3296"},"modified":"2026-08-28T10:36:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T10:36:45","slug":"missing-australian-makes-contact-after-second-flood-fears-disrupt-rescue-operations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/?p=3296","title":{"rendered":"Missing Australian makes contact after second flood fears disrupt rescue operations"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div xmlns:default=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n<header class=\"sc-ad76bc40-0 fNDZoQ\">\n<div class=\"sc-5cbbddda-0 hjlPcO\">\n<div data-testid=\"article-author\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-1 hPBdKJ\">\n<div>\n<p data-testid=\"article-datetime\" class=\"sc-5cbbddda-5 hxoHkT\"><span class=\"sc-a243f860-0 gjmXPs\">Updated <time data-testid=\"storytile-timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-08-28T18:54:08+10:00\">August 28, 2026<!-- --> \u2014 6:54pm<\/time>,<\/span><span aria-hidden=\"true\" data-testid=\"wbr-separator\" class=\"sc-a243f860-1 jIzAbi\"\/><span class=\"sc-a243f860-0 gjmXPs\">first published <time data-testid=\"storytile-timestamp\" datetime=\"2026-08-27T19:36:30+10:00\">August 27, 2026<!-- --> \u2014 7:36pm<\/time><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-0 efdRpd noPrint\" data-testid=\"article-actions\">\n<div class=\"sc-7132c98c-1 iddmiW\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" class=\"sc-d1b14060-0 TUyao\"><default:path d=\"M5.75 4C5.75 3.86193 5.86193 3.75 6 3.75H18C18.1381 3.75 18.25 3.86193 18.25 4L18.25 19.7709L12.8004 16.9682C12.2981 16.7099 11.7019 16.7099 11.1996 16.9682L5.75 19.7709L5.75 4Z\"\/><\/default:svg><span class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-2 gaKrMl\">Save<\/span><\/button><\/p>\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"sc-ba6ddcd9-0 kskMyR sc-d1b14060-3 cpmcTK\" role=\"tooltip\">\n<p class=\"sc-d1b14060-4 JmUoF\">You have reached your maximum number of saved items.<\/p>\n<p>Remove items from your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/goodfood\/saved\" class=\"sc-3f16ee48-12 sc-d1b14060-2 jyLmZI iQLtAb\">saved list<\/a> to add more.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button aria-label=\"Set font size to normal\" aria-pressed=\"true\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 yiNod\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to larger\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqtnv\">A<\/button><button aria-label=\"Set font size to very large\" aria-pressed=\"false\" class=\"sc-f7fd8257-1 frqrHP\">A<\/button><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<aside class=\"sc-6f94ac39-6 esmrVF\"\/>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p><strong>Warning: This story contains graphic content.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>One of the 39 Australian travellers reported missing after flash floods devastated the Nepal-China border has made contact with her relieved parents, as rescue efforts in the area swung back into action when fears of another major flood dissipated.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 emyPyO\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" alt=\"Cara Severino, hiking in Nepal, has been able to call her parents.\" loading=\"lazy\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_0.7407%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.185%2C$multiply_1.4815%2C$ratio_1%2C$width_378%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/8beb00601551f9f0dd89952a9aa68809a1575362 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 jvMZxu\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Cara Severino, hiking in Nepal, has been able to call her parents.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">Facebook<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Cara Severino, 26, called her parents on Friday morning to confirm she was alive and well, but was stranded along the Langtang Trek.<\/p>\n<p>Her parents, Debbie and Frank Severino, said their daughter was hiking the trek with a group, and they lost touch with her because of the floods. But she had subsequently made contact, much to their relief.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>\u201cWe praise God that she has been able to make this brief contact with us. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families awaiting news,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier, residents in Nepal\u2019s mountainous Rasuwa district, on the border with China\u2019s Tibet, were forced to rush up hillsides to escape a possible surge in the river level as a lake formed by debris from Wednesday\u2019s glacier collapse began to overflow, according to witnesses.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" alt=\"Rescue operations continue in the areas of Nepal devastated by the flash floods.\" loading=\"lazy\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.394%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/949e76196e0bcb50c1348a135a11aea3add6dd491b31aae760dbf5b78210e27e 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Rescue operations continue in the areas of Nepal devastated by the flash floods.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP\/Getty<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The prospect of the lake bursting prompted all Chinese rescue personnel to withdraw to a safe area, state broadcaster CCTV reported. Authorities in Nepal stopped helicopter rescue operations for 90 minutes.<\/p>\n<p>The disruption was short-lived after Chinese state media said the barrier lake had stopped overflowing, according to the BBC.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>CCTV said rescue operations on the Tibet side were now \u201ccontinuing as normal\u201d after water levels of the barrier lake \u201cdropped slightly\u201d, the BBC reported.<\/p>\n<p>The lake\u2019s reservoir has topped 2.5 million cubic metres of water, up from the estimated 1.5 to 2 million cubic metres that an eight-member Chinese engineering team sent to monitor the site recorded a day ago.<\/p>\n<p>The formation \u200bof the lake had been captured in aerial footage by a Chinese rescue team, showing \u2060masses of brown water accumulating in a basin with no visible outlet.<\/p>\n<p>Nepalese police said on Friday afternoon: \u201cInformation has been received that the water dam on the Tibetan side has burst again. Therefore, all security personnel, rescue workers involved in rescue and relief operations, and the general public, are requested to remain immediately alert and move to safe locations or notify others.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>The temporary halt came as Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed that at least 39 Australians were believed to be among those missing \u2013 up from 35.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe extraordinary scale of this disaster and the remoteness of the affected region mean immense challenges lie ahead for the response and recovery,\u201d Wong said in <a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.foreignminister.gov.au\/minister\/penny-wong\/media-release\/australias-response-nepal-china-floods\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">a joint statement<\/a> with International Development Minister Anne Aly.<\/p>\n<p><iframe data-testid=\"embed-iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/interactive\/modules\/before-after-image-slider\/index.html?resizable=true&amp;v=270&amp;configUrl=https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/interactive\/hub\/configs\/before-after-image-slider\/60624.json&amp;v=0.5342742991618122\" class=\"sc-a37c8537-0 sc-595e04f4-1 inzSmD dTUMho\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>Wong told ABC radio it was \u201can unfortunate possibility\u201d that more Australians could be reported missing in the coming days as the true scale of the disaster became clear.<\/p>\n<p>Nepal\u2019s Foreign Ministry said it did not need foreign assistance for search and rescue operations following the devastating avalanche. Offers of help had come from several countries with nationals missing in the disaster.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>But the country\u2019s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle said Nepal would need at least \u201ca few billion dollars\u201d to recover from the devastation caused by the floods, as he called for international funding for a massive reconstruction effort.<\/p>\n<p>The Australian government announced it would provide $5 million in humanitarian assistance as Wong prepared to speak to her Nepalese counterpart on Friday afternoon to discuss how Australia could support the recovery effort.<\/p>\n<p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said in a post on social media: \u201cAustralia is sending crisis and humanitarian response specialists to help after the devastating Nepal-China floods. We\u2019re also providing humanitarian assistance including food, emergency shelter and medical support.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Greens senator David Shoebridge said the $5 million pledged by Australia would \u201cnot come close\u201d to meeting the need for recovery and repair efforts.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>\u201cI think Australia needs to step up and really commit to helping rebuild. This is a country with minimal spare resources,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/asia\/most-of-my-family-is-still-missing-the-frantic-search-in-kathmandu-for-loved-ones-20260828-p60sax.html\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" alt=\"Kabita Tamang, wearing black, with her family members as they try to locate one of their relatives at hospital in Kathmandu. \" loading=\"lazy\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2730085073472544%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/7351cd642109e69c2785d9b9da2ad212e854e58e1fb0a51df78bb753118dd1ce 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>Fast-moving waters swept through villages, wiping out bridges, roads and entire settlements in a Nepalese valley near the border with China on Wednesday, killing at least 469 people, although that number could rise dramatically.<\/p>\n<p>More than 1500 people are missing, including hundreds of foreign nationals from two dozen countries, including India, the United States, Britain and Canada.<\/p>\n<p>There was more good news on Friday, when 883 locals and labourers were rescued in the Rasuwa district in an effort that included an \u201cextremely dangerous and challenging\u201d rescue mission that freed 350 people trapped in the tunnel of a hydropower plant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>\u201cThe troops are still gathering to safely evacuate more than 100 people trapped in the same tunnel,\u201d the Nepalese Prime Minister\u2019s Office said.<\/p>\n<p>Footage released by the office showed a team of Nepalese soldiers crawling through thick mud up a steep passageway to enter the tunnel and save those trapped inside.<\/p>\n<p><iframe data-testid=\"embed-iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/interactive\/modules\/graphic-embed\/?resizable=true&amp;v=339&amp;configUrl=https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/interactive\/hub\/configs\/graphic-embed\/60621.json&amp;v=0.4672200365696746\" class=\"sc-a37c8537-0 sc-595e04f4-1 inzSmD dTUMho\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>United Nations under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs Tom Fletcher said aid teams were experiencing major difficulties trying to reach the areas most affected by the floods due to the extent of damage to roads and bridges in the area.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s a very, very challenging terrain for them to be navigating right now,\u201d Fletcher told CNN. \u201cWe\u2019re having to use air assets to reach them. The immediate priority is saving as many lives as we can.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>Footage released by the BBC showed a giant boulder being swept along by the flood, underlining the force of the torrent.<\/p>\n<h3>Fear of further flooding <\/h3>\n<p>Nepal and China had both warned of the risks of further flooding in the Himalayas as debris from the initial glacier collapse formed a lake straddling their border.<\/p>\n<p><iframe data-testid=\"embed-iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/interactive\/modules\/autoplay-video-loop\/live\/index.html?resizable=true&amp;v=580&amp;configUrl=https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/interactive\/hub\/configs\/video-loop\/60674.json&amp;v=0.9556467093633804\" class=\"sc-a37c8537-0 sc-595e04f4-1 inzSmD dTUMho\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>\u201cResidents of the lower banks \u2026 passengers, rescuers engaged in rescue operations, and all concerned are requested to exercise special caution and stay in safe places away from the river banks and risky areas,\u201d Nepal\u2019s disaster authority said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>One of the engineers, Chen Hanxiao, said the general approach to reducing the lake\u2019s threat was to excavate a drainage channel at a lower point of the dam, but the width and depth of that channel needed calculations based on how fast the water would flow and how quickly the lake would fill.<\/p>\n<aside class=\"sc-c8170ed7-0 kBAoLZ noPrint\" data-testid=\"related-story\">\n<h2 data-testid=\"related-story-heading\" class=\"sc-c8170ed7-1 iHMtRN\">Related Article<\/h2>\n<div class=\"sc-679b6ed4-0 VKgwt\" data-an-position=\"1\" imagepositions=\"top\" data-testid=\"story-tile\">\n<figure imagesizes=\"[object Object]\" class=\"sc-8825a2fb-0 kZkxVd\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/asia\/i-m-just-praying-number-of-missing-australians-rises-as-devastated-families-at-home-await-news-20260828-p60sbf.html\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" alt=\"Missing in Nepal\" loading=\"lazy\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_0.5127%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.2118%2C$multiply_1.0255%2C$ratio_1.777778%2C$width_1059%2C$x_0%2C$y_78\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/818f7c90f3b5a0de728645d429f52ac9f26e2b61e7bc5999caa6236da410c257 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ioInpc\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>China on Thursday said 3 million cubic meters of water, the equivalent of about 1200 Olympic swimming pools, was expected to flow into the lake over the next three days. Peak flow was expected around September 1.<\/p>\n<p>Chinese President Xi Jinping dispatched his second-in-command, Premier Li Qiang, to visit the devastated areas of Tibet, demonstrating the severity of the disaster, which may be the worst since an earthquake in 2015 killed about 9000 people.<\/p>\n<p>Li inspected emergency rescue and relief operations, and visited first responders and displaced people in temporary shelters, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>Assessments based on seismic and satellite data indicate the initial flood was triggered by the collapse of a glacier and underlying bedrock in the Himalayan region between Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday, causing a 5.2-magnitude seismic event that sent water, ice, rock and debris downstream.<\/p>\n<p>Images and videos circulated online show the extent of the water\u2019s force. Walls of grey water swept through villages and valleys, pulling down trees, pushing boulders and sweeping over masses of people attempting to flee.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" alt=\"The aftermath from a tidal wave of mud, rock and water that devastated towns and villages along the Lhende River.\" loading=\"lazy\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.946%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/d951a413f18610b749d387055c2b9ed0bc819429 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>The aftermath from a tidal wave of mud, rock and water that devastated towns and villages along the Lhende River.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AFP<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The flood is a major test for Nepal\u2019s fledgling government and its new leader, former rapper Balendra Shah, who rode to power on a wave of Gen Z enthusiasm. He will need to work closely with regional neighbours China and India. China has deployed at least 574 rescuers to the land crossing, and India says it is co-ordinating closely with Kathmandu on rescue and relief efforts.<\/p>\n<p>The country\u2019s tourism industry, which supports over 1 million jobs, will take a hit in a peak period, and it will be anxious about the future given Nepal\u2019s frequency of extreme weather events.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<h3>Which regions were hit?<\/h3>\n<p>The Bhote Koshi River flooded about 9am on Wednesday (1pm AEST), destroying several villages as well as roads and hydropower projects, officials said.<\/p>\n<p>Warnings were issued in several districts urging people to stay away from the banks of the Bhote Koshi, Trishuli and Narayani rivers.<\/p>\n<p>The flood triggered a mudslide that hit Gyirong Port, a major land crossing with neighbouring Tibet, cutting roads, communications and power links to the area.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>Rasuwa, the worst-affected area, witnessed a flash flood similar to those in August last year, when a glacial lake in neighbouring Tibet overflowed due to high temperatures in the mountain region. Nine people died, and critical infrastructure, including a bridge connecting the two countries, was damaged at the time.<\/p>\n<p>Climate experts at the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development said the Lhende Khola River, a tributary of the Bhote Koshi River, had experienced its highest recorded flood on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" alt=\"Damaged houses stand precariously near the swollen, debris-choked banks of the Trishuli River after flash floods in Nepal\u2019s Nuwakot district.\" loading=\"lazy\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i2.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.575%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_0\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/0b91ada7f5ac8d5eb261cd575b413537ecf2d93f 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Damaged houses stand precariously near the swollen, debris-choked banks of the Trishuli River after flash floods in Nepal\u2019s Nuwakot district.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Niranjan Shrestha<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"sc-4820f69c-1 ZrhPA\"><button aria-label=\"enlarge image\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-5 dyWwUw\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-d34e428-0 ikzfwY\"><picture><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" alt=\"Rescuers use an earthmover to carry a survivor to safety along the Trishuli River in Nepal\u2019s Nuwakot district.\" loading=\"lazy\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i3.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_0.7725%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/$zoom_0.741%2C$multiply_1.545%2C$ratio_1.5%2C$width_756%2C$x_0%2C$y_368\/t_crop_custom\/q_62%2Cf_auto\/83a5ca9affd9d1ce8478e0ee5c6c2038d4db7b67 2x\" class=\"sc-d34e428-1 ldCIuB\"\/><\/picture><\/div>\n<p><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 38 38\" height=\"38px\" width=\"38px\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-4 iMiYlW\"><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 22.029383, 7.619553)\"><default:path d=\"M1 8l6.36396103-6.36396103M8 7V1H2\"\/><\/default:g><default:g stroke=\"#F4F5F7\" stroke-width=\"2\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\" stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" transform=\"matrix(1, 0, 0, 1, 7.0731, 21.523087)\"><default:path d=\"M8 1L1.63603897 7.36396103M1 2v6h6\"\/><\/default:g><\/default:svg><\/button><figcaption data-testid=\"figure-caption\" class=\"sc-4820f69c-0 SuAZY\"><span>Rescuers use an earthmover to carry a survivor to safety along the Trishuli River in Nepal\u2019s Nuwakot district.<\/span><cite class=\"sc-4820f69c-2 jfXEoI\"><span class=\"sc-4820f69c-3 jfhtQZ\">AP Photo\/Niranjan Shrestha<\/span><\/cite><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u201cThe Lhende Khola has flooded twice in 14 months, this time triggered by an ice rock avalanche from a glacier on the Nepal side that blocked the river and released a sudden surge downstream,\u201d said Saswata Sanyal, a disaster risk reduction specialist at the climate research group.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p>\u201cIn a warming Himalaya, early warning is the first line of adaptation.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The Himalayan region, which spans Nepal and several neighbouring countries, including India, is especially vulnerable to heavy rain, floods and landslides because it is warming faster than much of the rest of the world due to human-caused climate change.<\/p>\n<p>Research has shown that extreme weather events, including heatwaves, heavy rain and melting glaciers, have become more frequent in the region.<\/p>\n<p>Members of the Kathmandu research group found this year that glaciers across the Hindu Kush Himalaya region are melting at an accelerating rate. Ice loss rates have doubled since 2000, primarily due to rising global temperatures and climate change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-c502198b-0 NkURW\">\n<p><strong>Australians in need of emergency consular assistance should contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade\u2019s 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or +61 2 6261 3305 (if calling from overseas).<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe data-testid=\"embed-iframe\" frameborder=\"0\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/interactive\/modules\/tip-jar\/?resizable=true&amp;v=511&amp;config=3570&amp;title=Have%2520you%2520or%2520your%2520loved%2520ones%2520been%2520affected%2520by%2520the%2520floods%2520in%2520Nepal%2520and%2520Tibet%253F&amp;subtitle=Tell%2520us%2520more%252C%2520and%2520leave%2520your%2520details%2520if%2520you%2527re%2520happy%2520to%2520be%2520contacted%2520by%2520a%2520journalist\" class=\"sc-a37c8537-0 sc-595e04f4-1 inzSmD dTUMho\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><strong>With Reuters, AP, Bloomberg<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>Read more on the Nepal flood disaster:<\/h3>\n<p><strong><i>Get a note directly from our foreign <\/i><i>correspondents <\/i><i>on what\u2019s making headlines around the world. <\/i><a class=\"inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/newsletter-signup?newsletter=trump-biden-2020&amp;utm_source=EditorialArticle&amp;utm_medium=ArticleText&amp;utm_campaign=Newsletters\"><i>Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter<\/i><\/a><i>.<\/i><\/strong><strong\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div data-testid=\"article-footer\" class=\"sc-780f6c39-0 fWnQtB\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-1 bhFzjY noPrint\">\n<div class=\"sc-780f6c39-2 ksUUFP\">\n<div class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-0 kbEYga sc-780f6c39-3 fMMhlQ\"><button aria-checked=\"false\" aria-label=\"Save article to read later\" role=\"switch\" type=\"button\" class=\"sc-f9e3ccff-1 kmQlMe\"><default:svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" fill=\"none\" height=\"24\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"1.5\" viewbox=\"0 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https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/41bbd81bdfa5a98f70781cb78575df66d9219510?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/41bbd81bdfa5a98f70781cb78575df66d9219510?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/41bbd81bdfa5a98f70781cb78575df66d9219510?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/41bbd81bdfa5a98f70781cb78575df66d9219510?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/41bbd81bdfa5a98f70781cb78575df66d9219510?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/41bbd81bdfa5a98f70781cb78575df66d9219510?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" alt=\"Matthew Knott\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/41bbd81bdfa5a98f70781cb78575df66d9219510?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/41bbd81bdfa5a98f70781cb78575df66d9219510, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_80%2Ch_80%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/41bbd81bdfa5a98f70781cb78575df66d9219510 2x\" width=\"40\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"\/><span data-testid=\"author-bio\" class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-3 cVMGnz\"><span><a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-2 jcGta-D\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/by\/matthew-knott-hvf2k\">Matthew Knott<\/a> is the foreign affairs and national security correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.<\/span><span class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-4 gMBkSk\">Connect via <a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-5 czsZcI\" href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/KnottMatthew?lang=en\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">X<\/a><span>, <\/span><a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-5 czsZcI\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/\/matthewknottjourno\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a><span> or <\/span><a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-5 czsZcI\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/asia\/mailto:matthew.knott@theage.com.au\">email<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-1 LVIFj\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" alt=\"Zach Hope\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_80%2Ch_80%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/415ab732af75b6e38d828c13ac2c1a8d78b406fd 2x\" width=\"40\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"\/><span data-testid=\"author-bio\" class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-3 cVMGnz\"><span><a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-2 jcGta-D\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/by\/zach-hope-h1dfi7\">Zach Hope<\/a> is South-East Asia correspondent. He is a former reporter at the Brisbane Times.<\/span><span class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-4 gMBkSk\">Connect via <a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-5 czsZcI\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/asia\/mailto:zach.hope@nine.com.au\">email<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-1 LVIFj\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==\" fifu-lazy=\"1\" fifu-data-sizes=\"auto\" fifu-data-srcset=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1&w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w\" alt=\"Mostafa Rachwani\" data-testid=\"author-avatar-image\" height=\"40\" loading=\"lazy\" fifu-data-src=\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38?ssl=1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_40%2Ch_40%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38, https:\/\/static.ffx.io\/images\/w_80%2Ch_80%2Cc_fill%2Cg_auto:faces\/q_86%2Cf_auto\/bce532009a6aeac1fb0702ec360c3ffe64ff9fe2fd1a1a3fcee5381368d7ba38 2x\" width=\"40\" class=\"sc-9a01536c-0 libeSR\"\/><span data-testid=\"author-bio\" class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-3 cVMGnz\"><span><a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-2 jcGta-D\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/by\/mostafa-rachwani-p537zx\">Mostafa Rachwani<\/a> is a Parramatta reporter at The Sydney Morning Herald. He was previously the Community Affairs reporter at Guardian Australia.<\/span><span class=\"sc-b5b9fd03-4 gMBkSk\">Connect via <a class=\"sc-cba76dee-0 hdiTqm sc-b5b9fd03-5 czsZcI\" href=\"https:\/\/www.smh.com.au\/world\/asia\/mailto:mostafa.rachwani@smh.com.au\">email<\/a>.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"sc-3dbe4134-0 iIZygf sc-df8e6ee0-0 noPrint noPrint\" data-an-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-group=\"everything\" data-an-cu-name=\"From our partners\" data-an-cu-position=\"4\" data-testid=\"from-our-partners-strap\">\n<header class=\"sc-84567ec1-0 hpMljf\">\n<h2 data-pb-type=\"hi\" class=\"sc-84567ec1-1 weWOF\"><span>From our partners<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/header>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Updated August 28, 2026 \u2014 6:54pm,first published August 27, 2026 \u2014 7:36pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. AAA Warning: This story contains graphic content. One of the 39 Australian travellers reported missing after flash floods devastated the Nepal-China border has made&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"iawp_total_views":0,"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[1782,5358,5359,4565,5245,2266,4422,3982],"class_list":["post-3296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international-news","tag-australian","tag-contact","tag-disrupt","tag-fears","tag-flood","tag-missing","tag-operations","tag-rescue"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3296","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3296"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3296\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/valutednews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}