yoga-mahendra
The Bay Area's Nepalese community has banded together in an effort to support the victims of a catastrophic flood and landslide disaster that has left families in Nepal searching for loved ones and communities struggling to recover. The devastating event has struck a chord with many Nepalese Americans, including Berkeley restaurant owner Binita Poudel, who fears up to 10 relatives may be missing following the deadly flash flood that ravaged parts of a border region in Nepal.
Poudel, who owns Taste of the Himalayas on Shattuck Avenue, has been tirelessly trying to contact her family members, only to be met with silence. "I called them. Nobody picks up the phone," she said, her voice tinged with despair. Despite the uncertainty, her hope remains unwavering. "Sometimes, a dream comes true," she said. "We hope they are missing somewhere, and they're going to come out."
In response to the crisis, Taste of the Himalayas hosted a vigil and fundraiser on Sunday night, aiming to bring the community together to pray for the missing while raising funds for humanitarian relief efforts. "A little bit helps. One dollar helps," Poudel emphasized. "It's good for everyone."
The disaster has also deeply affected Hercules City Councilmember Dilli Bhattari, a Nepal native who spent nearly two days unable to contact his nephew, Prakash, who was traveling in Nepal on a spiritual journey. "Almost 24 to 48 hours we were disconnected," Bhattari recounted. "Devastating moments for my family." He later learned that his nephew was safe, but many families remain in limbo as they wait for word from relatives in the disaster zone.
"This is one thing I never imagined," Bhattari said. "So fast, so quick, so unimaginable, impacting so many lives." In response, the City of Hercules hosted its own community vigil to support those affected and provide comfort to local families with ties to Nepal. "We're trying to hold up each other and show support and sympathy," Bhattari said.
The community's efforts are not limited to fundraising and vigils. Local Nepalese Americans have been closely monitoring the situation, sharing information, and offering support to those affected. "The Nepalese community has always been tight-knit," said one community member. "In times of crisis, we come together even more strongly."
The flood and landslide disaster in Nepal has been described as one of the worst in the country's history, with thousands of people feared missing and entire villages destroyed. The disaster has prompted an outpouring of international aid, including from neighboring countries and international organizations.
As the Nepalese community in the Bay Area continues to rally, they are also reaching out to others for help. "We need everyone's support," Poudel said. "This is not just a Nepalese issue; it's a global issue."
The vigil and fundraiser at Taste of the Himalayas were just the beginning. Organizers are planning further events to raise awareness and funds for relief efforts in Nepal. "We want to make sure that the world knows about this tragedy and that we are doing everything we can to help," Poudel said.
The resilience of the Nepalese community in the face of such a disaster is a testament to their strength and unity. As they continue to support each other and work towards recovery, they are also sending a powerful message of hope and solidarity to those affected by the flood and landslide disaster in Nepal.
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