Bay Area Nepalese community rallies to support flood disaster victims as thousands still missing

The Bay Area's Nepalese community is coming together this weekend 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.

"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."

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.

"We're trying to hold up each other and show support and sympathy," Bhattari said.

Organizers say both events are intended to support grieving families and raise funds for relief efforts in Nepal.

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