The family of a New Zealander missing in Nepal's catastrophic flash floods have travelled to Kathmandu, saying they will leave "no stone unturned" in their search for answers.
More than 750 people had been confirmed dead, and more than 3000 people were still missing after catastrophic flash flooding and landslides tore through the Nepal-China border region last week. Five New Zealanders are among the missing.
Suhasini Reddy, a mother of two living in Australia, was hiking with friends as part of a Kailash Journeys tour group when the disaster struck.
The group is believed to have been near the Nepal-Tibet immigration checkpoint when a torrent of floodwater ripped through the area last week.
Reddy is one of the five. The others include Hamilton couple Mihir and Kinnari Patel, and Aucklander Dejan Kuzmic.
In a statement to 1News, Rajeev and Lauren Reddy, Suhasini's brother and sister-in-law, said they arrived in Nepal's capital at midnight local time after flying from New Zealand.
Thousands of troops are searching for survivors after devastating floods killed nearly 800 people, with five New Zealanders among those still missing. (Source: 1News)
"We are pursuing every possible avenue to get answers for our sister, Suhasini, and all the other victims and families affected by this devastating disaster," they said.
"We are determined to leave no stone unturned in our search for answers and will continue working closely with authorities as efforts continue."
The pair said they had already met with local police and were due to meet New Zealand government representatives on Monday.
Meanwhile, the family of Mihir and Kinnari Patel said they were praying for a miracle as search efforts continued.
"We are staying positive," a family spokesperson told 1News. "We have no other choice."
The Hamilton community had rallied around the couple's two sons, they said.
Situation on ground remains 'bleak' - MFAT
Earlier today, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the whereabouts of the five missing Kiwis remained unknown, despite reports circulating online about people being rescued following the disaster.
"There is still no new verified information on the missing New Zealanders," a spokesperson confirmed.
"This is likely to take more time to emerge. Unfortunately reports of the situation on the ground remain bleak."
Toll expected to rise with more than 1400 still missing, including international tourists such as five New Zealanders. (Source: 1News)
The ministry said it was unable to release the names of the five missing New Zealanders or further details, due to privacy reasons.
However, it confirmed 15 New Zealanders who were registered on SafeTravel in Nepal had been contacted and confirmed safe.
In today's update, the ministry also said New Zealand had pledged $2 million in humanitarian assistance to Nepal in the wake of the disaster.
Of that, $1 million would go to the Nepal Red Cross Society to help provide emergency shelter, water and sanitation, as well as reconnect families separated by the disaster.
Another $1 million would be made available to international humanitarian organisations providing relief and early recovery assistance.
The ministry said New Zealand officials had been deployed in Kathmandu and were continuing to work closely with local hospitals, emergency management services, police, and local tour operators.
New Zealand police had joined the ministry's consular team in the Nepalese capital, and consular staff were providing support to affected families.
Anyone concerned about New Zealanders in the Rasuwa region, along the Nepal-China border, was encouraged to contact MFAT’s emergency consular line on +64 99 20 20 20.
Climate experts have said an avalanche from a glacier likely caused Wednesday’s flash flood. (Source: 1News)
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