Richmond's Nepali community rallies for flood victims: 'Rise back up'

RICHMOND, Va. — From half a world away, the Nepali Community of Greater Richmond Virginia gathered Sunday for a candlelight vigil to mourn the victims of the catastrophic floods and mudslides that ravaged villages and towns along the Nepal and China border on August 26th.

The Bhurtel family was among those who participated in the vigil at the Libbie Mill Library in Henrico County.

“People are losing everything,” says Dr. Dilli Bhurtel. “They’ve lost their loved ones. Whole families have been shattered there, houses and buildings have been shattered there.”

Bhurtel, a pediatric heart specialist, says he understands the heartache many families are experiencing. He’s aware of people, including children, who have died or remain missing near his family’s village.

“I deal with this every single day. How difficult it is to lose your peace,” Bhurtel says. “Your kids are your peace, a piece of you and your heart. I mean, I can’t even explain that in words, so I feel sorry for every single one of them there.”

Authorities in Nepal say more than 900 people have died so far in the mudslides and floods that were triggered by a massive mountain glacier collapse and subsequent debris avalanche. The disaster has triggered an intense international response, including specialized teams from China and India who are racing to drill into heavily inundated hydropower tunnels where hundreds of people are believed to be trapped.

In Virginia, The Nepali Community of Greater Richmond has set up a Disaster Relief for Nepal effort on its NCRVA website. Several members have also volunteered to travel to Nepal for search and rescue and rebuilding efforts.

“This is a moment for us to feel the sorrow together,” says NCRVA member Suman Kandel. “Giving a message that we’re united and we are here. Although we are far from the country, we still follow and share the sadness that people over there are feeling.”

While international rescue teams continue to search for victims and morgues become overwhelmed by the day, Bhurtel and his daughter, Kashvi, say they are amazed by the resiliency and strength of the Nepalese people.

They are being strong, even if they don’t know it,” says Kashvi Bhurtel.“It really hurts to have loved ones missing or losing them. You can’t even see their bodies, you can’t even have a funeral like they wish for. They are really strong.”

Hugging his daughter, Dilli Bhurtel adds, “They are very strong and we want them to be strong, absolutely, and trust and hug each other. That’s exactly what we want and to help the people back home.”

To make a donation to relief efforts, you can find information on the Nepali Community of Greater Richmond Virginia website at ncrva.org

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