Australia's Nepali diaspora holds vigils and fundraisers for flood victims
As the death toll from devastating floods and landslides in Nepal rises, Australia's Nepali community is organising candlelight vigils and fundraising for disaster relief while the government offers A$5m in support.
Members of Australia's Nepali diaspora are preparing candlelight vigils to coincide with an expected national day of mourning in Nepal, as the toll from this week's flash floods and landslides continues to climb. Nepal police said on Friday that 469 people had died, with more than 1,300 still missing, after the disaster tore through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river basins on Thursday.
Foreign affairs minister Penny Wong confirmed on Friday morning that the number of missing Australians had risen to 39, while announcing a A$5m support package. She said Australians wishing to donate could do so through the Emergency Action Alliance, a coalition of Australian charities and humanitarian groups.
Community waits for news
On Thursday night, Nepali Australians gathered for candlelight prayers and observed a minute's silence for those killed. Dr Tilak Pokhrel, president of the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre, said Victoria-based community groups would hold a vigil once Nepal's government formally announces the day of mourning. He said the centre would extend its opening hours so faith leaders could support people anxiously checking the news every hour.
The NSW branch of the Non-Resident Nepali Association will hold its own candlelight vigil in Sydney on Saturday evening. Its general secretary, Chudamani Sapkota, said the lack of communication networks was making it extremely difficult for families to locate missing relatives. The Australia Tibet Council also said the Tibetan community was shocked and devastated, and is planning prayer events.
Several diaspora organisations are also raising money for Nepal's Prime Minister's Natural Disaster Relief Fund, including the Sydney-based Nepalese Welfare Society. Its president, Chiran Tiwari, said relatives of one of the group's own executive members remain missing in Nepal, describing the mood within the community as deeply sorrowful.
