Families concerned for Australians missing in China after Nepal-Tibet floods

Family members desperate for answers are appealing for more information from Chinese authorities and more assistance from the Australian government.

Many of the 43 Australians missing after the disaster were pilgrims trekking from Nepal into Tibet to visit Mount Kailash, a revered site in four different religions. One group of 80, including 11 Australians, had just finished the spiritual journey when the floods swept through the region.

Chinese authorities are conducting search-and-rescue operations in the border crossing area, but they have faced criticism for a tight control on information and being slow to release details about the people missing there. Chinese state media also reported teams crossed mountains and used ropes to rappel down slopes to reach the site, with one rescuer saying, “here was nothing but ruins”.

The Isha Foundation said its group’s information had been provided “to the frontline rescue teams” and “additional phone-signal information” was being shared “to assist with the search”.

The Australian government has said it is doing “everything we can” to “confirm (the) welfare” of the missing 43 Australians and “support their loved ones”.