Family of WA man missing in Nepal ‘hoping for a miracle’ as search for survivors continues

A West Australian man is among those still missing after a catastrophic glacial flood struck the border region between China and Nepal earlier this month. Luke Costanzo, 30, was reportedly caught in the disaster while returning to Kathmandu on the final day of a pilgrimage trek to Mount Kailash in Tibet. His family has expressed hope for a miracle as rescue operations continue in the affected areas. Costanzo was traveling with a group that last made contact at the Gyirong Port border crossing before the flood struck on August 26. The glacial collapse triggered a massive surge of water and debris that swept through the region, causing widespread devastation. According to a family statement released on Tuesday, Costanzo had joined the Isha Foundation's pilgrimage to Mount Kailash, a sacred site in Tibetan Buddhism. His family described him as a strong, compassionate, and spiritually driven individual who had committed himself fully to the journey. They emphasized that he was thrilled to participate in the pilgrimage and had embraced the experience wholeheartedly. The family’s message conveyed deep sorrow over his disappearance and urged supporters to keep him and other victims in their thoughts and prayers. They also encouraged those able to assist in the ongoing relief efforts to donate to local organizations working on the ground. Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced that a second Australian citizen missing in the disaster had been located safely on the Tibetan side of the border. However, she noted grave concerns for the remaining 42 Australians still unaccounted for. The flood has left a devastating toll, with more than 1,000 people confirmed dead and over 4,400 missing across Nepal and Tibet. Among the missing are approximately 800 foreign nationals. Some individuals have managed to make contact with their families despite the chaos. For example, Australian traveler Cara Severino, 26, reached out to her parents on Friday after spending two days stranded in the affected area. Her account offered a glimpse of survival amid the turmoil. Tragedy has also struck other travelers. Michael Keats, a hiker from New South Wales, was confirmed dead in the disaster. Like Costanzo, Keats had been returning from a trip to Mount Kailash and had reached the border crossing into Nepal when the flood hit. His partner, Emily Boyd, shared her anguish over his death in an online fundraising campaign. She described how his loss had fundamentally altered their lives and expressed the difficulty of adjusting to a future without him. Rescue teams and international aid organizations continue to work tirelessly in the affected regions, navigating treacherous terrain and logistical challenges to locate survivors. The situation remains dire, with many still missing and hopes fading for those presumed lost. Efforts are focused on reaching remote areas where communication is limited and conditions are perilous. The glacial flood has underscored the vulnerability of mountain communities to climate-related disasters. Experts warn that rising temperatures could increase the frequency of such events, posing long-term risks to both local populations and international visitors. As the search continues, the focus remains on finding those still missing and providing support to the thousands impacted by the disaster. Authorities have reiterated the need for continued vigilance and caution for travelers in high-altitude regions, particularly during the monsoon season. While some good news has emerged, the overall picture remains grim, with the search for survivors continuing in the days ahead.