Nepal-Tibet floods live updates: Aussie survivor Cara Severino and family express relief over ‘miracle’

We are wrapping up our live coverage of the Nepal-Tibet flood disaster for today.

Here is a summary of Sunday’s events:

• At least 734 people have been declared dead
• Almost 3,000 remain unaccounted for, including 42 Australians
• Australian survivor Cara Severino thanked the Australian government and embassy for efforts to find her safe and well
• Ms Severino’s family have also expressed their elation over the safe location of the 26-year-old
• Australia has ramped up its consular response as eight additional personnel from DFAT’s Crisis Response and Rapid Response teams touch down in Kathmandu
• The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) issued an alerting over worsening conditions along the Bhotekoshi River
• Smartraveller warning urges Australians to reconsider heading to areas within 50 kilometres of the Trishuli Rive in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Nawalpur and Gorkha districts because of flooding, landslides, infrastructure damage and the possibility of further flooding

Scroll down to read more details from our rolling coverage, or check out our wrap here.

Cara Severino’s family have issued a statement outlining the relief they felt when they learnt the 26-year-old was safe and well in Nepal.

“We are so thankful for God’s protection over her and for giving her the strength and resilience in this situation,” the statement from Debbie and Frank Severino read.

“Seeing Cara’s name appear on my message bank, hearing her voice and now seeing her photo and speaking with her has been the most miraculous gift.”

Her parents thanked Australian Consular Response teams for their efforts to find their daughter while also hoping for the best outcome as other families of 42 missing Aussies wait to hear of moree news.

“The scale of this tragedy is staggering and amidst our personal joy we continue to stand in prayer with the many families here in Australia, in Nepal and around the world who have lost loved ones or are still waiting to hear from them. We know that the waiting is horrendous,” they said.

Rising flood waters are threatening widespread rescue efforts in Nepal.

“We have received information that the flood flow in the Bhotekoshi River in Rasuwa has increased further,” the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said in a warning.

“Therefore, all personnel engaged in search, rescue and relief operations, those in riverside areas, and everyone else in affected areas including Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Chitwan are requested to exercise caution.”

Astonishing footage has been shared online, showing the moment Nepali police freed a little girl who was trapped beneath rubble.

In a video posted to X, police are seen clearing away debris before pulling the girl, believed to be 2-years-old, to safety.

In a separate video, the infant appeared with a bruised face as authorities spoon fed her rice porridge.

Eight personnel from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Crisis Response and Rapid Response team have touched down in Kathmandu.

Their arrival brings the total number of Australian response team personnel in the region to 12.

About another 20 staff from DFAT were already on the ground in Nepal.

By working closely with Nepali authorities, the growing team will assist with communications, logistics and planning to provide humanitiatn assesments of the disaster’s impact.

The number of Australians who are unaccounted for in Nepal has now risen to 42.

According to Nepal’s disaster authority, the death toll has climbed to 675, up from 669. Another seven deaths in Tibet means the total figure is at 682.

A new Smartraveller warning has been issued for Australians as conditions in Nepal and Tibet remain dangerous in the wake of deadly flash floods.

The government advice is urging Australians to avoid certain areas amid ongoing risks.

“We now advise reconsider your need to travel to areas within 50 kilometres of the Trishuli River in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Nawalpur and Gorkha Districts, due to severe flooding, landslides, significant infrastructure damage and the risk of further flooding,” the alert read.

“On 26 August, major flash flooding and mudslides in the Nepal-China border area, around the Rasuwagadhi-Gyirong crossing point, caused significant damage and a high number of casualties and injuries. Roads, transport networks and other infrastructure have been severely affected.

“There remains a high risk of further flooding, landslides and debris flows in affected areas.

“Continued heavy rainfall may worsen conditions, causing rivers and lakes to overflow. Conditions can change rapidly with little warning. Avoid riverbanks, waterways and flood-affected areas. Seek higher ground if necessary, and follow the advice of local authorities.”

Australian hiker Cara Severino has issued a statement after she was safely located in Nepal by Australian consular officials on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old said she felt “blessed to be Australian” for the outpouring of support she recieved from the Australian government and embassy.

She also thanked three other hikers who she met on the first day of her trip.

“Sudha, Lucas, Samir and Saugat. It’s thanks to these amazing people I got out safely,” she said.

Ms Severino said she was heartbroken to witness the devastation caused by the catastophic flooding disaster.

“My heart goes out to all the Nepalese families who are grieving loved ones,” she added.

“We passed a guy hiking up to Thulu Safru who lost his whole family when their whole town was destroyed. It’s just so devastating and undeserving.”

Ms Severino was hiking in the Langtang National Park with “some other Nepalese hikers” when the floods crashed through the region on Wednesday.

Here are the most recent events you should be across in case you missed them:

• Nearly 3,000 people have been declared missing, 41 of those are Australians
• The death toll has reached 669 people in Nepal and seven in Tibet, but that number continues to climb as search efforts drag on
• Australian Cara Severino has been located by consular officials after she made telephone contact with her parents earlier