Fairfax reported that the unnamed Australian was part of a group of four from Dreamers’ Destination Treks and Expeditions, with one member from China and two from Nepal.
“I have lost four team members in the avalanche – two Nepalese, one Chinese and Australian,” said Temba Tsheri, an expedition leader for the tour company.
“But the situation is so bad, this is only the beginning of bad news.”
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said she was aware of the report an Australian had died on the mountain and the “Australian embassy in Kathmandu is urgently seeking to confirm those reports.”
The New York Times explained the severity of the damage.
There are 549 Australian travellers registered in the area.
The Australian embassy has only been able to get in contact with 200, leaving almost 350 unaccounted for.
Among those who are missing is Australian actor Hugh Sheridan’s brother. Hugh shared his anguish on Twitter, begging anyone for any information on his brother’s whereabouts.
“Please. Anyone who is awake, please pray for my little brother Zachary who is on Mt Everest, I’d appreciate every prayer you have spare x,” the distressed actor wrote.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott spoke about the tragedy, advising “we shouldn’t assume the worst”, as communication from Nepal is slow due to damaged infrastructure.
It also believed due to the remote nature of the area, many Australians who would be trekking would face difficulties in contacting loved ones.
The aftermath of the devastating earthquake.
The Australian government has allocated $5 million in aid to the devastated country, with the Prime Minster adding that the nation “will consider what further response, what on-the-ground response we might be able to make in the next day or so.”
The earthquake has resulted in a devastating loss with the current death toll from the quake and its aftershocks currently standing at 2300, but that number is likely to rise.
The Red Cross’s Family Links website has a created a section for the Nepal earthquake, listing people who have checked in as alive, and people who are still confirmed missing.
Facebook has created the Nepal Earthquake Safety Check. This allows people to register themselves as safe, and friends and family members to connect with travellers in the area.
Australia’s Department Of Foreign Affairs And Trade have a 24-hour consular emergency line, which can be contacted on 1300 555 135 from within Australia, of +612 6261 3305 from outside.
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