In response to the catastrophic flooding that has ravaged Tibet and northern Nepal, North Texas communities are rallying to provide aid. The floods have claimed over 400 lives and left countless individuals unaccounted for, causing widespread destruction of roads, homes, and essential infrastructure.
With the largest Nepalese population in the United States residing in North Texas, local organizations are spearheading relief initiatives. The Nepalese Society of Texas is actively raising funds to support recovery through the Prime Ministerial Disaster Fund of Nepal. Bijah Bhusal, a representative of the society, emphasized the dire circumstances, stating, “All the routes are gone. All communication is interrupted. So it’s a very dire situation.” He urged the local and Nepalese communities to contribute, saying, “We are asking for help to support where we were born.”
The outreach for assistance extends beyond the Nepalese community, with aid organizations like Texans on Mission also mobilizing efforts. They are preparing to send critical supplies, including approximately 100 gravity-fed bucket filters designed to provide clean drinking water to those affected.
John Hall from Texans on Mission highlighted the significance of these filters, noting that they can serve up to ten people at a time. “When everything is washed away, they don’t have electricity, they don’t have plumbing, they don’t have housing, they don’t have food,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
In addition to the water filters, Texans on Mission plans to send food, cookware, and a five-person strike team experienced in disaster response. This team, familiar with the local culture and language, will collaborate with partners already on the ground to ensure effective assistance.
The initial team is expected to remain in Nepal for two to three weeks, addressing immediate needs before embarking on the longer-term recovery process. Baikuntha Tsapa from the Nepalese Society of Texas called for unity, reminding everyone, “First of all, we are human beings. Wherever we live, wherever we were born, it doesn’t matter.”
For those wishing to help, the Nepalese Society of Texas has identified monetary donations as the most pressing need due to the challenges of sending physical goods amidst the destruction.
