Family of missing Perth man Luke Costanzo hopes for 'miracle' following Nepal disaster
Luke Costanzo, 30, is among those unaccounted for after landslides and flash flooding hit the Mount Kailash region.
Quick Look
- The family of 30-year-old Perth man Luke Costanzo is seeking a 'miracle' after he went missing during a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in Nepal.
- Costanzo was last heard from at the Gyirong port border crossing amid widespread flooding and landslides.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Luke Costanzo was participating in a pilgrimage trek to Mount Kailash organized by the Isha Foundation. The region recently experienced severe landslides and flash flooding resulting in over 1,000 deaths.
The family of a Perth man missing in Nepal say they are hoping for a "miracle" that he will be found alive and well.
Luke Costanzo, 30, was visiting Mount Kailash on a pilgrimage trek with the non-profit, spiritual Isha Foundation.
So far, more than 1,000 people have died, and about 4,400 people remain unaccounted for after the area was hit by a landslide and flash flooding.
Mr Costanzo's family released a statement on Tuesday announcing that he was one of the Australians still missing.
"It is with heavy hearts that we share our dear son and brother, Luke Costanzo, is one of the Australians still unaccounted for in Nepal following the flooding disaster last week," they said.
"Once he makes a decision, he commits to it fully, and he was so excited to be visiting Mount Kailash on a pilgrimage trek."
The family said they last heard from Mr Costanzo from the Gyirong port border crossing, when his group was making its way back to Kathmandu on the final day of their journey.
"This is an unimaginably difficult situation for us, and we request the media please respect our privacy during this time," the family said.
"We truly appreciate all the love and support from friends and family that we've received and ask everyone to keep Luke, and all those affected, in your thoughts and prayers.
"We can do nothing but continue hoping for a miracle that Luke, and the others who remain missing, are found alive and well.
"For those wishing to help in some way — and are in the position to do so — we suggest donating to aid the wonderful people on the ground who continue with rescue efforts."
Open Questions
- What is the current status of the search and rescue operations?
- Are there other Australians confirmed missing in the same area?