Bay Area Nepalese community rallies to support flood disaster victims as thousands still missing
BERKELEY, Calif. (KGO) -- The Bay Area's Nepalese community came together to support victims of a devastating flood and landslide disaster in Nepal that has left families searching for loved ones and communities struggling to recover.
For Berkeley restaurant owner Binita Poudel, the tragedy is deeply personal. Poudel, who owns Taste of the Himalayas on Shattuck Avenue, fears up to 10 relatives may be missing following the deadly flash flood that destroyed parts of a border region in Nepal.
"I called them. Nobody picks up the phone," Poudel said as she described the agonizing wait for information.
Like many Nepalese Americans, Poudel has spent the past several days watching heartbreaking images from her homeland while desperately trying to contact family members. Among those unaccounted for are her husband's uncle and cousin. Despite the uncertainty, she remains hopeful.
RELATED: Hundreds killed, thousands missing following Nepal flooding: Here's how you can help victims
"Sometimes, a dream comes true," Poudel said. "We hope they are missing somewhere, and they're going to come out."
To help those affected, Taste of the Himalayas hosted a vigil and fundraiser Sunday night.
The event was meant to bring community members together to pray for the missing while raising money for humanitarian relief efforts.
"A little bit helps. One dollar helps," Poudel said. "It's good for everyone."
Hercules vigil supports Nepal flood victims
The disaster has also shaken 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 said. "Devastating moments for my family."
Bhattari later learned his nephew was safe after finally making contact. Still, he says 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.
About 100 people gathered Sunday evening at Refugio Valley Park in Hercules to honor victims of catastrophic flash flooding in Nepal and show support for those affected by the disaster.
The vigil brought together local leaders and members of the Bay Area's Nepalese community, many of whom have family, friends and loved ones directly impacted by the flooding.
For Janak Raj Dhungana, a Bay Area Nepalese American who came to the United States three years ago after seeking political asylum, the tragedy is deeply personal.
"It's very hard. And. It's very scary," Dhungana said.
RELATED: Bay Area residents anxiously search for loved ones after catastrophic flooding in Nepal
Dhungana said he is still waiting for answers about relatives and friends who remain missing in Nepal.
"I'm crying and feeling scared," he said.
While some members of his family are staying in a shelter, Dhungana said more than a dozen relatives have not been accounted for.
"I have more than 10 extended family members-my uncles, aunts, my brother and sister are missing," he said.
Dhungana also said several childhood friends from his hometown remain missing.
"I'm missing my childhood friends. More than 25 in my hometown," he said.
As attendees lit candles and prayed for flood victims, rescue and recovery efforts continued in the Nepal-Tibet border region following the devastating flash flooding.
The gathering also served as a place for community members to mourn those who died and support families affected by the disaster.
Tika Lamsal, a University of San Francisco professor, said the disaster has affected Nepalese communities far beyond the flood zone.
"All the Nepalese communities are touched by this everywhere," Lamsal said.
He described the destruction as "the kind of irreparable loss.. Not only in lives but also the dmage that has happened in larger scale. it's tonally unimaginable."
Lamsal said community members have asked how they can help those affected by the flooding. He encouraged people to attend vigils or contribute to relief efforts.
"Emotionally, spiritually, financially. In any way they can do it," Lamsal said.
