Community galvanises to support Nepalese flash flood disaster victims

The Nepalese community in Sleaford have sprung into action, leading fundraising efforts to support the hundreds of affected by devastating flash flooding in their home country.

More than 1,000 people have been reported dead and many more injured or missing in the mountainous border regions with Tibetan China after scientists say a large piece of a glacier collapsed into the river below, driving a tidal wave downstream.

Houses lie partially submerged in muddy water along a riverside after flash floods at Trishuli Bazar in Nepal's Nuwakot district. A massive flood swept through Nepal's northern Rasuwa district on August 26, damaging roads and power infrastructure as authorities scrambled to assess the scale of the destruction. (Photo by Prabin RANABHAT / AFP via Getty Images)

placeholder image — Houses lie partially submerged in muddy water along a riverside after flash floods at Trishuli Bazar in Nepal's Nuwakot district. A massive flood swept through Nepal's northern Rasuwa district on August 26, damaging roads and power infrastructure as authorities scrambled to assess the scale of the destruction. (Photo by Prabin RANABHAT / AFP via Getty Images)

Properties and people were swept away as the waves engulfed the communities in Nuwakot and Rasuwa district in a sea of mud, trees and debris on Wednesday, August 26.

Now Upendra Poudel, who runs The Barracks Inn, on Westgate in Sleaford, says he has felt duty-bound to act and is launching a special set meal menu where proceeds will be donated to the disaster relief effort in his home country.

Upendra said he was horrified when he saw the news. While thankful that none of his own friends or family were affected, as they live in the lowlands, he said he knew he had to do something for his country and had received lots of calls from people asking if his family were safe and if there was anything they could do to help.

"I have spoken with my chef and we will make a mixed dish to represent Nepal and its situation on a plate,” he said. “I want to support the families and their basic needs as they have been left with nothing. There will be hunger, health problems and disease.”

Running from Sunday (August 29) to Tuesday (September 1) the £20 meal comprised a chicken or lamb main dish with rice and naan. Proceeds will go to the Nepalese Prime Minister’s disaster relief fund.

There will also be a bucket for donations on the bar.

Once proceeds are collected, the total will be announced before being sent off to help people with the aid efforts.

Upendra said: “It has swept right from the Tibetan side of the border, down to the plains. The video you have seen of the wave sweeping over a large building is on the Chinese Tibetan border.

"Now everything is covered in mud.”

There were also concerns about secondary flooding caused by the landslide damming up water.

Upendra said: “Last year we had flash floods but not as bad as this one and we have just got over an earthquake.

"I hope people will support our appeal, by either dining with us or by buying it as a takeaway.”

Upendra was last in Nepal in January for the anniversary of his father’s death in a road accident.

Meanwhile the owner of Gurkha 19 in Sleaford Market Place said he has made a donation to the disaster fund and will be working with the Nepalese community in Nottingham to raise even more for the aid effort.

They had just raised £1,563.50 from a charity meal with the Rotary Club to build a school in rural Nepal.