London’s Nepalese community in shock after a tragic flood incident claimed over 150 lives and left many others displaced in Nepal and Tibet. The local diaspora is rallying together to extend support and raise relief funds for Nepal to ensure the safety of their loved ones back home.
Suyogya Man Banepali, the president of the Nepalese Community of London Ontario, expressed deep sorrow upon witnessing the devastating flood footage on social media. Despite the geographical distance, the community shares strong ties with their homeland, making the situation profoundly distressing.
The Bhotekoshi River overflowed on Wednesday morning, causing destruction in multiple villages, roads, and hydropower projects, according to Nepali authorities. Residents in various districts were cautioned to stay away from the banks of rivers like Bhotekoshi, Trishuli, and Narayani. Security footage from the Chinese side of the Nepal-Tibet border captured the harrowing moment when people fled as buildings and vehicles were engulfed by mud and water.
Nepal’s Ambassador to Canada, Bharat Raj Paudyal, highlighted that the affected area is popular among hikers and pilgrims. In response, the London community is actively fundraising to support the Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s disaster relief fund, which offers official bank accounts for donations. Banepali estimated that over 300 Nepalese families reside in London, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance.
Despite not having direct family in the affected region, Banepali, a Kathmandu native, emphasized the escalating crisis and emotional toll on families due to the high number of missing individuals and severe damage. Recalling the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, Banepali empathized with families desperately searching for their loved ones amidst the chaos. He pledged to stay engaged with the situation and collaborate with the community to provide essential relief.
Acknowledging the severity of the flash flood, Prime Minister Mark Carney described it as “absolutely devastating” and urged Canadians in the area to register with the ROCA system promptly, emphasizing Canada’s readiness to offer assistance.