Nepali diaspora in Australia rallies for flood victims, offers aid

In the wake of the devastating floods and landslides that struck Nepal and Tibet, Australia's Nepali and Tibetan communities are mobilizing to offer support and solidarity. Vigils are being planned to commemorate the victims, coinciding with a national day of mourning announced by the Nepali government. Community members are anxiously awaiting news of missing relatives and friends amidst the escalating death toll.

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Community members just want to say we are with you for those who are affected.

As the scale of the disaster becomes clearer, with Nepal police reporting 469 deaths and over 1,300 people still missing, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong confirmed that 39 Australians were unaccounted for. The Australian government has unveiled a $5 million support package for relief efforts. For those wishing to donate, the Emergency Action Alliance website is providing a channel for contributions through various Australian charities.

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We want to have an event where we all can gather and show our solidarity to support them. Let’s work together, let’s pray together, and let’s go through this pain together.

Community leaders are stepping up to provide support and facilitate aid. Dr. Tilak Pokhrel, president of the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre, stated that community organizations would host a vigil to express solidarity. "Community members just want to say we are with you for those who are affected," he said. The center is extending its hours to offer pastoral care, as people anxiously check news updates hourly.

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This is devastating news for all the Nepalese diaspora.

In New South Wales, the Non-Resident Nepali Association is organizing a candlelight vigil. Chudamani Sapkota, the association's general secretary, described the news as "devastating" and highlighted the organization's efforts to help locate missing relatives, noting the severe communication disruptions. The Tibetan community has also expressed shock and devastation, with prayer events planned. Crowdfunding initiatives, such as a GoFundMe page created by the Nepalese Welfare Society, are actively raising money for the Nepali Prime Minister's Natural Disaster Relief Fund, with community members rallying to support those directly impacted.

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There’s no network, nothing at the moment. This is a very tough time.