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

**Family of Western Australian Man Missing After Nepal Flood Pleads for a Miracle**

*Perth, Australia – 1 September 2026* – The family of 30‑year‑old Luke Costanzo, a Western Australian who was caught in a glacial‑flood disaster in the Himalayas, said they are “hoping for a miracle” as rescue teams continue to search for survivors.

Costanzo was part of a pilgrimage trek that had been traveling from Tibet to Kathmandu. The group’s last confirmed contact was at the Gyirong Port border crossing, which links China’s Tibet Autonomous Region with Nepal. The crossing was the first location affected by a sudden flood on 26 August, triggered by the collapse of a glacier that released water and debris across the border region.

According to a statement released by Costanzo’s family on Tuesday, he had been in Tibet visiting Mount Kailash with the Isha Foundation, a spiritual organization that arranges pilgrimages to the sacred site. The family described Costanzo as “extremely strong, compassionate, disciplined and spiritual,” and expressed gratitude for the support they have received.

> “We can do nothing but continue hoping for a miracle that Luke, and the others who remain missing, are found alive and well,” the statement read. The family also asked the public to consider donating to aid the rescue efforts on the ground.

Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed on Tuesday that a second Australian citizen, whose identity has not been disclosed, was located safely on the Tibetan side of the border after being contacted by officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. However, she warned that “grave concerns” remain for the 42 Australian citizens still unaccounted for.

> “It’s hard to imagine the sense of relief their loved ones must be feeling after what will have been an incredibly harrowing few days,” Wong said. “Despite this second piece of welcome news in recent days, we must remain realistic about the days ahead.”

The flood, which has been described as one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region in recent years, has resulted in more than 1,000 confirmed deaths and left over 4,400 people missing in Nepal and Tibet. Approximately 800 of those missing are foreign nationals.

Among the Australians previously reported missing was 26‑year‑old Cara Severino, who made contact with her parents on 23 August after two days of hiking in the area. Conversely, New South Wales hiker Michael Keats, also returning from a Mount Kailash pilgrimage, was confirmed dead. Keats’ partner, Emily Boyd, posted an online fundraiser in his memory, stating that his loss “had changed everything for my son and me.”

Rescue operations continue in the remote border region, with both Nepalese and Chinese authorities coordinating efforts to locate survivors and recover bodies. The families of those still missing, including Costanzo’s, have urged the public to keep the victims in their thoughts and to support the ongoing humanitarian response.

Article and image source: theage.com.au