A Sydney father and daughter missing since an avalanche in Nepal killed at least 40 people are safe and well.
Patrick Wilde, the father of Simon and grandfather of 17-year-old Sophie, said the pair had called, bringing the family relief following the massive snowstorm and avalanche which smashed Nepal's Annapurna region on October 14.
"(Simon) and Sophie are both OK and they'll be back in Kathmandu and flying home to Australia on Saturday," Mr Wilde told the ABC.
The Wildes were originally planning to return to Sydney by October 29.
At least 40 hikers have been confirmed dead while dozens more, including about 18 Australians, have not been heard from since blizzards hit the Thorong La pass between the districts of Manang and Mustang.
A rescue mission on the western side of the pass has ceased but it's expected Nepalese authorities will continuing to search the eastern side.
More than 400 people have been rescued since last Tuesday.
Cyclone Hudhud in neighbouring India brought torrential rains and storms, triggering the blizzards.
Several Australians may still be in the region, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said.
"The Australian embassy in Kathmandu and DFAT consular officials in Canberra are working closely with families, Nepalese authorities and trek organisers...to ascertain the welfare of any Australians remaining in the region," a spokeswoman for the department said.
October's tragedy comes only months after the deadliest recorded avalanche at Mount Everest.
In April, 16 guides were killed, forcing an unprecedented shutdown of the world's highest peak.
Share
