COLCHESTER’s Nepalese community has launched a bid to raise vital funds following the devastation caused by flooding.
At least 1,300 people died in the August 26 floods, which were likely caused by a glacier collapse, and more than 5,000 remain missing, according to Nepal’s disaster management agency.
The large flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border destroyed villages, roads and bridges.
Udaibahadur Gurung, chairman of the Colchester Nepalese Society, told the Gazette on August 27 that thankfully he did not know of anyone directly caught up in the incident.
Mr Gurung has now been able to launch a GoFundMe Page with a £49,000 target to help the agencies which are “working hard on the ground” and the long road to recovery in Nepal.
The society has raised £12,000 so far, including £2,786 donated through its online fundraising page. The rest was collected in person.
Mr Gurung said: “We are very grateful for the support.
“I am feeling more confident than before I started. It is very good that people are chipping in money.
“I hope I will be able to get to the target as this has been the worst disaster to strike Nepal since the devastating earthquake of 2015.”
Latest rescue efforts have taken place at the Trishuli hydropower project where a Chinese national was pulled out alive from a tunnel.
The Nepalese Army said the man was pulled alive from a 738ft tunnel and is undergoing a health assessment.
About 900 workers are missing from 12 hydropower projects across Nepal, with roughly 500 believed to be trapped in various tunnels, according to authorities.
Appealing for more support, Mr Gurung said: “The Nepali government has declared the affected districts disaster zones.
“International support is arriving, including emergency assistance from India, the United States, and South Korea, as well as satellite mapping teams from the United Nations and the European Union.
“But the need on the ground for shelter, clean water, medical care, and the long road of rebuilding to come will far outstrip what any single response can provide.
“Colchester Nepalese Society, representing the Nepalese and Gurkha community here in Colchester, is asking for your help.
“Many of us have family, friends and roots in the very communities affected by this tragedy, and we are determined to do everything we can to support them.”
The Colchester Nepalese Society will be holding a vigil at the Castle Methodist Church in Maidenburgh Street to light candles in remembrance of the people who have died and been displaced.
A charity curry night will also be held. Both will take place this month once dates have been organised.
The Gurkha Brigade is also raising funds to support those affected by the disaster.
Colchester Council deputy leader David King said: "'The Gurkhas and the garrison are a huge part of our city and our history.
"Please support this appeal and the official fundraiser from the Brigade of Gurkhas.
"To show our respect compassion and care for the people of Nepal as they try to console their own and rebuild and recover from their terrible times. It will take many years.
"We can start now. To show some love and make a difference, please donate. It will be hugely appreciated in Nepal and here in Colchester by their friends and family and compatriots."
You can donate to the Colchester Nepalese Society's fundraiser at gofundme.com/f/nepal-flood-relief-2026-help-the-communities-of-rasuwa.
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