Rescue efforts in Nepal are intensifying after more than 1800 people were killed in the country’s worst earthquake in more than 80 years on Saturday.

Seventeen people have been killed on Mount Everest by avalanches – the mountain’s worst-ever disaster.

Closer to home almost 350 Australians are unaccounted for in Nepal following the deadly earthquake which devastated the country and cut off communications.

There are 549 Australians registered as travelling in Nepal according to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Australian embassy has confirmed the safety of more than 200.

Officials fear that the death toll could rise as the desperate search for survivors continues. Scores of bodies have been ferried to hospitals in Kathmandu, many of which are struggling to cope with the number of injured. 

Among the missing is a Daylesford family of four, who left Australia last June for the trip of a lifetime.

Francis and Jen Comber are travelling with their two young daughters Rani and Neve. 

The family is believed to have been trekking in the Tsum Valley in the earthquake area.

The unimaginable pain of the unknown being endured by their loved ones back home in Australia is nothing short of horrific. 

Mr Comber’s mother, Dianne, said they were waiting for any news of the family. She told The Courier that “no one’s heard anything from them yet”.

Ms Comber said the family “refused to give up hope” they would all be found safe. 

Many countries and international charities have begun flooding Nepal with offers to help deal with the disaster, banding together to help those native to the land and their own nationals who are still missing.

In the despair, there have also been tales of survival and hope.

Daylesford teenager Liam Oliver and his aunt Dianne Coburn were found safe and well less than 24 hours after the event.

Let us hope with all our hearts that it will be the same outcome for the Comber family.