The Muralitharan family – parents Chandrasekaran and Shylaja, and their sons Ashwin, 11, and Aarush, 14 – were part of a tour group caught in the devastating floods in central Nepal. The family, originally from Sydney, had reportedly spent weeks hiking in their local area in preparation for their Himalayan trek. Their neighbour described them as "kindest people you'll ever meet."
They were traveling with US-based company Himalayan Glacier Trekking. A second Australian family, the Iyers, also from northwestern Sydney, were reportedly on the same tour with the same company. In total, at least 34 Australians are believed to be missing following the disaster. Nepalese authorities have indicated that 35 Australians are unaccounted for.
Devastating Floods in Nepal
The floods were triggered by a landslide that caused a glacial collapse on Wednesday morning, local time. Authorities confirmed 359 deaths and over 800 people missing in Nepal, with more than 550 missing in Tibet. The Trishuli River overflowed, with footage showing a wall of water devastating towns and villages.
Many of the missing Australians were on organized tours, including groups with Himalayan Glacier Trekking and Kailash Journeys. An additional 11 Australians were traveling with the Isha Foundation, a spiritual non-profit.
Rescue efforts are underway, involving thousands of personnel from Nepal and China. However, ongoing flooding has complicated rescue operations, particularly for helicopters attempting to land.
Australian Government Response
Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is urgently working to ascertain the welfare of the missing Australians. DFAT is liaising with local authorities and tour operators. Australians in the affected areas are advised to follow the guidance of local authorities. The department's 24-hour emergency hotline is available for domestic calls at 1300 555 135 and for overseas callers at +61 2 6261 3305.