First Australian confirmed dead in Nepal flood disaster as 43 still among the thousands missing and RAAF plane departs for the country
The family of an Australian hiker who disappeared in Nepal’s catastrophic floods have confirmed he has died, as they travel to the devastated region.
Loved ones of Michael Keats, from Mollymook on the NSW South Coast, announced his death online on Monday evening following the flood last Wednesday.
The death toll has reached 919 after the massive wall of mud and water carved a swathe of destruction through central Nepal in a disaster triggered by glacial collapse high in the Himalayas.
It’s understood Mr Keats was part of a group returning from a trek of Mount Kailash in Tibet, as he was a follower of Indian spiritual leader Jagadish Vasudev, known as Sadhguru.
Vasudev, founder of the Isha Foundation, last Thursday said Keats and another 10 Australians were waiting at a border checkpoint in Gyirong when flash flooding hit.
Mr Keats’ partner, Emily Boyd, described him as an ‘incredibly important part’ of her family.
‘He was also my young son’s stepfather, although he was the only father he has ever known. His loss has changed everything for both of us,’ she wrote in a post on GoFundMe.
‘We are trying to navigate the shock and grief of losing someone we love deeply, while also having to face life without the person who was such an important part of our family and our household.’
Michael Keats (pictured with partner Emily Boyd) died in Nepal’s flooding disaster
Nepalese authorities are racing to find any survivors amid the destruction
She has raised more than $20,000 to go to India alongside others grieving the loss of loved ones in the tragedy.
They were invited to take part in a ‘sacred yoga and spiritual ritual connected with Sadhguru’ in honour of those who perished.
She added the funds would also help cover her family’s expenses while they grieve.
‘This fundraiser is about more than one trip,’ she wrote.
‘It is about giving my son and me some breathing room while we navigate an unimaginable loss and begin to work out what our life looks like now.’
Mr Keats’ sister, Karen, shared an update on social media confirming she’d also be attending the retreat.
‘A big journey in the midst of grief but I feel so divinely guided by my brother right now,’ she wrote.
‘He had such a beautiful flow with life and I feel like I’m being carried along by that same flow.’
It’s understood Mr Keats (above) was travelling with the Isha Foundation
Ms Boyd (right) raised more than $20,000 to travel to India for a ‘spiritual ritual’ in honour of Mr Keats (left)
The Royal Australian Air Force deployed a plane with emergency supplies and personnel to assist ongoing rescue efforts in Nepal (pictured is the area where many Aussies were)
At least 43 Australians are among the missing in Nepal.
That figure doesn’t include 26-year-old Cara Severino, who was miraculously rescued on Sunday after fleeing the flood-stricken region on a tractor with locals.
The Royal Australian Air Force on Monday deployed a C-17A Globemaster III plane to Nepal with emergency humanitarian supplies, disaster relief equipment and personnel.
Nepalese authorities have confirmed 919 deaths and 4,793 people are missing either side of the Nepal-Tibet border.
Many of the missing Australians were on tours for a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash – a sacred place in Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Bon.
Summer, from June to August, is the most popular time of year for the trek.
Nepalese authorities have warned in advance that the remains of deceased foreigners could take time to be repatriated.
Amid the ongoing crisis, Nepal Police detailed a nine-step process remains must undergo before being released to loved ones.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has a 24-hour emergency hotline.
It can be domestically reached at 1300 555 135. If calling from overseas, the number is +61 2 6261 3305.
