Candles, prayer flags, and flowers adorned a vigil in Surrey, B.C., where a large crowd gathered to honor the victims of the devastating flooding in Nepal. The flash flood that hit Nepal’s Timure region on August 26 claimed the lives of at least 900 individuals, with approximately 4,700 people still missing in Nepal and China. Among the missing are 31 Canadian citizens and permanent residents, including four individuals known to be from British Columbia.
During the vigil, the Hindu Buddhist Foundation of Canada president, Amakant Subedi, emphasized the importance of the community coming together to offer prayers and mutual support in the face of the significant humanitarian tragedy. Sunita Ghimire, one of the attendees who lit a candle, expressed solidarity with the victims, stating, “Our hearts and minds are with them even though we cannot be physically present.”
The Nepali community in British Columbia has united in response to the disaster, with efforts such as fundraising and donations. The Hindu Buddhist Foundation temple, where the vigil took place, has raised approximately $10,000 for immediate aid to the flood-affected area. Additionally, the Nepali Canadian Women’s Society of B.C. redirected around $15,000 from ticket sales and contributions meant for the Teej celebration to support disaster relief efforts.
The Canadian government has committed $5 million towards emergency relief initiatives in Nepal. Scientists attribute the catastrophic flood to a glacial collapse that led to the formation of a temporary high-altitude lake, causing a deluge of water and debris to cascade down into the valleys below.