Members of the Nepalese community in Prince Edward Island are closely monitoring the devastating flash flood in Nepal, which has resulted in hundreds of casualties and over a thousand people missing, including Canadians. Abhishek Pokharel, the secretary of the Nepalese Association of P.E.I., mentioned that while the government is actively sharing information about individuals found and lost, communication at the disaster site remains challenging.
The death toll in Nepal has climbed to 547, with numerous individuals still unaccounted for, according to the Nepal police. Rescue teams are navigating through mud and debris along the border between Nepal and China, with concerns rising about a newly formed lake potentially causing additional flooding downstream.
The catastrophic flooding was triggered by the collapse of bedrock beneath a glacier in the Himalayan region, leading to a torrential flow that swept away buildings, bridges, and landscapes downstream. Pokharel, an environmental engineer familiar with the affected areas, described the rapid rise in water levels that devastated communities and wiped out significant infrastructure, including hydropower facilities and vital transportation routes.
Sushil Khatri, an executive member of the Nepalese Association of P.E.I., shared the account of his cousins in the Nepalese army who were involved in rescue efforts following the flash flood. The disaster has left many communities in shock, with numerous individuals missing, including friends and colleagues of Pokharel who are now on the list of unaccounted persons.
For Islanders seeking ways to support the Nepalese community during this crisis, Pokharel emphasized the importance of empathy and understanding towards Nepalese students and workers who may be experiencing distress. He also highlighted the Government of Nepal Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund as a direct channel for international donations to assist those affected by the disaster. The Nepalese Association of P.E.I. is deliberating on potential fundraising initiatives to provide further assistance.