‘Lots of my friends are missing’: fears and prayers as Australia’s Nepali diaspora desperately seek answers after flood
As the community scrambles to check on loved ones, some hear from family members who fled to safety, while others pray for good news
TL;DR
- Australians of Nepali heritage are distressed as they try to ascertain the safety of family and friends in Nepal following a major flood.
- Nearly 1,300 people are missing and at least 389 have died in Nepal and Tibet due to the flood, which was triggered by an avalanche.
- At least 35 Australians are among the missing, including an 11-year-old child.
- Communication networks in the affected areas are down, making it difficult to contact loved ones or conduct search and rescue operations.
- Members of the Nepali community in Australia are holding prayer services and initiating fundraising campaigns to aid disaster relief efforts.
- The Nepali T20 cricket team observed a moment of silence before a match, with the Northern Territory government offering support to the team and the local Nepali and Tibetan communities.