Arabic version: ارتفاع عدد الأستراليين المفقودين إلى 43 في فيضانات نيبال

According to ABC News, the number of Australians unaccounted for after flash flooding in Nepal has risen to 43, while the death toll in Nepal has reached at least 794, according to police. A Sydney man, a Townsville woman and a Melbourne couple were among four more missing Australians identified on Monday.

Melbourne couple Sidharthi Kumari Sahu, 39, and Sandeep Mohapatra, 43, from Wantirna South, were travelling with a pilgrimage group organised by Kailash Journeys. They were with four other Australians. Rubila Rath, speaking for their families, said relatives still hoped the pair would be found.

Rescue operations have intensified at hydropower sites, where Nepal’s disaster management authority said at least 933 workers were believed to be trapped at around half a dozen projects. At the Trishuli-3A hydropower site in Nuwakot, Australian engineer Professor Arnold Dix said a tunnel located by experts and rescuers was full of water and teams were seeking another way in.

Search teams in the mudslide-hit border area of Gyirong have continued operations after trekking through mountainous terrain. More than 60 personnel conducted repeated searches within a 1.7-kilometre radius after a 10-hour trek on Friday. Heavy nightly rain has complicated the mission, forcing rescuers to sleep outdoors during cold nights.

Humanitarian groups also reported pressure on displaced families. Save the Children said overcrowded temporary holding centres were putting children’s health at risk, while limited toilets, showers and hygiene facilities could increase the risk of illness. Plan International said dignity kits had been sent to heavily affected areas and temporary learning spaces were being established for children.