Australia news LIVE: NSW man first Australian declared dead in Nepal as death toll of flood exceeds 900; Trump vows to ‘hit Iran hard’ as tensions in the Middle East escalate

Australian authorities confirmed on Tuesday that a second Australian citizen has been found alive following the catastrophic flash floods that struck the border region between Nepal and Tibet earlier this week. This discovery comes as the death toll continues to climb, with the combined fatalities in Nepal and China surpassing 950 individuals. More than 4,400 people remain missing as search and recovery operations enter their fifth day. A hiker from New South Wales, identified as Michael Keats, has become the first Australian officially confirmed dead in the disaster. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressed the situation from the Pacific island of Palau, stating that it is not currently the appropriate time to debate whether climate change contributed to the severity of the floods. Although the Nepali government has called for a global effort to address the environmental impact of such disasters, Albanese emphasized that his focus is entirely on supporting the affected families. He noted that there will be time later to examine the scientific causes of the event. The Australian government has pledged an additional three million dollars in aid to the recovery efforts. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade committed another 12 crisis response personnel to the region, joining eight officials who arrived in Kathmandu earlier in the day. These officials are assisting in the complex rescue mission, which involves combing through thick mud and debris for signs of life. The department reports that 42 Australians remain unaccounted for. Across Australia, communities gathered in mourning and solidarity. In Brisbane, hundreds of people attended a candlelight vigil at King George Square, organized by the Nepalese Association of Queensland. Treasurer Jim Chalmers addressed the crowd, expressing gratitude for the daily contributions of the Nepalese community and affirming the nation's support during this difficult period. He stated that Australia sends some of its finest people and substantial financial aid, but that the emotional support of every Australian is equally vital. Tikaram Sarma, president of the association, shared that he learned one of his cousins was among the missing persons. Despite the grim circumstances, he expressed hope that many more people could be found, while acknowledging the difficulty of the rescue operation. He urged the public to contribute to fundraising efforts. In Darwin, approximately 100 people gathered on the steps of the Northern Territory parliament on Sunday evening to light candles in memory of those killed or missing. Trilochan Sapkota of the Non-Resident Nepali Association spoke about how the tragedy has extended far beyond Nepal's borders, noting that each lit candle represents a lost life and the hope for the safe return of the missing. Student Simran Kandel mentioned that local festivals and events had been canceled in the aftermath of the disaster and encouraged donations to the Nepali Prime Minister's disaster relief fund. Separate domestic political issues dominated other parts of the news cycle. Attorney-General Michelle Rowland unveiled reforms to Australia's privacy laws during a press conference on Monday. The proposed changes faced immediate criticism for failing to include an import ban on smart glasses. Meanwhile, One Nation leader Pauline Hanson accused the Prime Minister of inciting violence against her party. This followed comments by Albanese describing One Nation as dangerous, divisive, and a threat to the country. International tensions escalated significantly regarding the Middle East. US President Donald Trump vowed to hit Iran hard, promising further military strikes after Iranian forces launched missiles at two US air bases in Jordan. The Iranian attacks were a direct response to a recent US strike on Iran's Larak Island. In corporate news, logistics software group WiseTech Global announced the appointment of Jeff Howard as its new chief financial officer. Howard, formerly the boss of Seven West Media, begins his role on September 28. His appointment ends an interim arrangement that has persisted for nearly two years. Howard served as Seven West's finance chief from 2020 and became chief executive in 2024. He briefly led the merged entity following its combination with Southern Cross Media in January before stepping down a month later. Caroline Pham, who has served as interim CFO since October 2024, will remain to facilitate the transition. WiseTech shares declined by approximately two percent to $39.53 on Tuesday morning. Violence erupted in New York City on Monday night when a woman attacked two pedestrians in Times Square. According to the New York Police Department, the suspect pulled two large kitchen knives from a shopping bag near One Times Square, a location known for hosting the annual New Year's Eve ball drop. She stabbed a 68-year-old man in the abdomen before turning and stabbing a 32-year-old woman in the same area. Both victims were transported to the hospital, where the woman subsequently died. The man is listed in stable condition. Video footage released by police showed at least ten officers surrounding the attacker. One officer attempted to subdue her with a taser, but the device failed to incapacitate her, leading to her fatal shooting by law enforcement. The incident occurred next to an NYPD substation, one of the most heavily patrolled areas in the city due to high tourist traffic.