Long Island Nepalese community to hold vigil for victims of deadly Nepal floods
Sabitra Siwakoti, president of the Long Island Nepalese Society, says the tragedy has deeply affected local families with ties to Nepal.
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Members of Long Island's Nepalese community are gathering in Hicksville to honor the victims of devastating flash floods in Nepal and pray for those who remain missing.
The floods were triggered Wednesday morning after a glacier collapse, causing widespread destruction across parts of the country.
While flooding is common during Nepal's monsoon season, community leaders say the scale of this disaster was unexpected.
Hundreds of people have been killed and nearly 2,000 remain missing as rescue crews continue searching through flooded areas and debris.
Sabitra Siwakoti, president of the Long Island Nepalese Society, says the tragedy has deeply affected local families with ties to Nepal.
She says hospitals in the country are overwhelmed with rescued survivors and are facing shortages of critical supplies.
For many on Long Island, watching the disaster unfold from thousands of miles away has been heartbreaking.
"We are shocked. You don't even have much words," said Sabitra Siwakoti, of the Long Island Nepalese Society. "We're watching the devastating videos, crying, and praying. We are just hoping our people will be found as soon as possible and get the help they need. And we are trying to help them by collecting donations."
The Long Island Nepalese Society is hosting a candlelight vigil Friday night in the Hicksville train station parking lot to remember those who lost their lives and offer prayers for the people still unaccounted for.
Organizers say the event will also serve as an opportunity for the community to come together and support ongoing relief efforts for those impacted by the disaster.
