Nepal Flash Floods Leave Thousands Missing, Qantas Faces Profit Decline and Potential Fare Increases > 월드뉴스

Nearly 1,500 people are missing, primarily tourists, following a catastrophic flash flood that struck Nepal and Tibet, resulting in at least 165 confirmed deaths. The disaster unfolded in a mountainous region popular with trekkers and pilgrims, prompting rescuers to search urgently for the missing individuals, including nationals from India, the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. Videos captured during the flood showed a massive wall of water devastating the area, overturning trucks and destroying homes, roads, and infrastructure. In Nepal, police and tourism officials reported that 826 individuals are unaccounted for, including 177 from India, 63 from the US, 34 from Australia, 33 from Britain, and 25 from Canada. On the Tibetan side, state media reported that at least 558 people are missing, with many being foreign nationals. The floods are believed to have been triggered by a landslide of ice and rock, exacerbated by the region's extreme topography. Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, with one individual describing how he clung to a mango tree to survive the torrent.

Qantas is considering raising ticket prices and expanding add-on fees at its budget airline Jetstar following a significant drop in pre-tax profits, which fell to $2.06 billion for the year ending June 30. The decline is attributed to rising fuel costs, particularly influenced by the conflict in Iran, which has disproportionately affected the older A380 fleet. Qantas CEO Vanessa Hudson indicated that despite cost-of-living pressures, passenger demand remains strong, and the airline aims to maximize revenue. The company plans to retire its A380 models earlier than anticipated and is looking to purchase up to 20 new aircraft by 2030. Jetstar has already begun charging fees for carry-on luggage in overhead lockers, a move that has faced criticism. The budget airline generates over $1 billion annually from non-seat fees, and plans are in place to introduce more ancillary services to keep ticket prices competitive while increasing overall revenue.