Christchurch's Nepalese community comes together as devastating floods hit Nepal

The devastation unfolding in Nepal is hitting close to home for Christchurch’s Nepalese community, as families come together to support those affected.

Many are watching the situation closely, concerned for loved ones and facing the uncertainty of not yet knowing the full extent of what has happened.

A major flash flood and mudslide swept through the Nepal-China border area of the Bhotekoshi River on August 26. Nepalese authorities have confirmed more than 350 deaths, with more than 1000 people still missing.

The disaster has caused widespread destruction and loss, with homes and buildings swept away and communities left facing an uncertain future. Officials are also warning of the continued risk of further flooding.

New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon have both expressed their concern and condolences to those affected.

For some in Christchurch, the uncertainty is deeply personal, with members of the community still trying to find out what has happened to relatives in the affected areas.

The Nepal New Zealand Friendship Society of Canterbury said several members had relatives who were still missing, with finding and rescuing them their immediate priority.

Members have been working closely with organisations and authorities in Nepal, passing on information about people who may need help and acting as a link between families in Christchurch and those on the ground.

The society said the scale of the disaster was difficult to comprehend, with widespread destruction leaving people in urgent need of food and shelter.

Friendship society president Amulya Nepal said the situation was "chaos".

"I had a meeting until 2am this morning with organisations back home."

He has been helping connect people in Christchurch with organisations and authorities in Nepal.

Another local organisation, the Canterbury Nepalese Society has also been reaching out to members, checking in on those with family and friends in affected areas and reminding people that support is available.

“We’re still yet to have a good picture of what has happened. We know hundreds of people have lost their lives, buildings have been wiped out, it’s just horrendous," chairperson Deepak Pandey said.

As more information continues to emerge, Pandey said coming together was especially important.

“We are a very close knit community. Often when something like this happens, we come together, we support each other. That’s been the hallmark of our community.”

“We need to hold hands with each other, we need to be nice to each other. We need support, we need unity.”

The NNZFSC is also urging people not to share graphic images and videos of the disaster online, saying some of the footage is deeply distressing. Instead, it is asking people to share reliable information and messages of support.

Both organizations encouraged people who want to donate to use trusted fundraising channels, including the Nepalese Government’s Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, rather than sending money to unverified accounts. They also encouraged people to follow the organizations’ social media pages, where verified links and information about how to donate are being shared.

They are also thanking the wider Christchurch community for the support and concern they have shown.

For now, they are urging the community to come together, check in on one another and support those who may be affected.