A memorial service was organized at the Nepali Embassy in London to commemorate those who lost their lives in the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa.
London Remembers Bhotekoshi Flood Victims
The memorial service, which began on Tuesday evening with a candle-lighting ceremony, included a moment of silence in remembrance of the deceased. A significant number of young students currently studying in the UK were present at the memorial service.
Statements from Community Leaders and Officials
Addressing the memorial service, Nepal’s Acting Ambassador to the UK, Bipin Duwadi, informed that the Nepali government is deploying all resources for search, rescue, and treatment of the injured. He also stated that messages of solidarity and support have been received from the British Royal Family, Prime Minister, ministers, MPs, mayors, social workers, and businesspersons.
Acting Ambassador Duwadi praised the Nepali community in the UK for generously supporting the flood victims. He urged everyone to be vigilant to ensure that the funds provided for humanitarian aid are not misused and reach the victims. He added that contributions can be made to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, and further information on this has been updated on the embassy’s website.
NRNA Vice President Expresses Hope for Missing Sister
Ramsharan Simkhada, Vice President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), informed that his sister, Sharda Simkhada, who works for NHS, is missing, and expressed hope for her safe return. He stated that NRNA is distributing relief directly in the affected areas and appealed to everyone to help from their respective places.
NRNA UK President Calls for Climate Compensation
Rajendra Pudasaini, President of NRNA UK, said that Nepalis are suffering huge losses of life and property due to climate change, even though they have committed no crime, and stated that Nepal should demand compensation. He added that it is a Nepali tradition to help each other in times of sorrow and urged everyone to alleviate the suffering of the Nepali victims.
Nepali Medical Professionals Pledge Support
Dr. Aarti Thapa, President of the Nepalese Doctors Association UK, stated that the association has already deposited 1 million rupees into the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund and that fundraising is ongoing. She mentioned that Nepali doctors working in the UK are ready to provide necessary support to the country and emphasized the need to raise a voice for ‘climate justice’.
Rashmita Darlami, President of the Nepalese Nursing Association UK, expressed sadness over a nursing colleague going missing in the flood and stated that they are praying for the safe return of nurse Sharda Simkhada. She also said that Nepali nurses are ready to alleviate the pain of the flood victims.
