'Pray for Nepal': hundreds killed in floods mourned

A small Himalayan town in Nepal, Keshav Kadel, has suffered heavily from devastating floods. Although situated further downstream on the Trishuli River than more directly affected areas like Gorkha and Rasuwa, the town's residents have lost 360 lives, with hundreds more still missing, including several Australians.

The Nepalese community gathered at the Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre, led by vice president Mr. Kadel, for prayers, moments of silence, and the laying of candles, symbolizing their shared grief. Speaker Sudhir Shakya emphasized the individual impact of the tragedy, reminding attendees that each death represents a mother, father, son, daughter, relative, or friend.

Former Australian race discrimination commissioner Chin Tan highlighted that Australians across the nation are united in their collective grief, stating that today, all Australians are Nepalis. Comparing the current disaster to the 2015 earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people in Kathmandu, Mr. Kadel warned that the losses would be even more severe due to entire towns being swept away, leaving behind only a mudslide.

The disaster has captured national attention, with candle vigils held across Australia, including in Sydney's Rockdale. Australians are also mourning their own citizens, as at least 35 remain missing. The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has deployed officials to the region to aid in recovery and identification efforts, and Smartraveller has updated travel advisories, urging heightened caution due to ongoing flash flooding and mudslides.