Nepal flood disaster: Mass graves grow as death toll nears 1,000

OTTAWA — Nepalese community organizations across Canada have cancelled annual Teej festivals this weekend in the wake of devastating flash floods that struck Nepal and China. Teej is a Hindu celebration of womanhood, usually observed over the weekend. Organizers in cities such as Toronto, Brampton, and Calgary decided to halt the festivities due to the disaster.

Punam Dhungel, president of the Nepali Canadian Women’s Society in British Columbia, revealed that her organization had cancelled a sold-out event for the first time ever. She emphasized that Teej is a time for women to come together, pray, fast, sing, and dance, but the current situation in Nepal made it an inappropriate time to celebrate.

The group redirected $15,000 in ticket sales from about 300 attendees to humanitarian relief efforts. Flash floods on Wednesday claimed around 800 lives, leaving approximately 3,000 people missing after a glacier collapse in the Himalayan border region between Nepal and China. Nepal's authorities warned of potential fresh flooding on Sunday, urging residents in affected districts to remain vigilant.

Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Anita Anand, confirmed on social media that one Canadian who was initially unaccounted for had been found safe. However, many in the Nepalese diaspora in Canada are still grappling with the loss of family members. Sudarshan Sapkota, president of Nepalese Canadian Community Services in Toronto, stated that numerous calls and messages have been received from families trying to reach their loved ones, with some still missing.

Sapkota personally has three friends who were involved in hydro-power projects; two have been accounted for, but one remains missing. He said the entire Nepalese community across Canada is devastated and heartbroken. Nonetheless, community organizations have rallied to raise funds through sports events and other activities, collecting thousands for disaster relief. The Canadian government has pledged $5 million in urgent humanitarian aid to support Nepal.