Chicago Nepali Leaders Respond to Nepal-Tibet Flood Crisis

As news of severe floods in Nepal and Tibet spread, Nepali leaders in Chicago convened a virtual emergency meeting on Wednesday night. Using Facebook Messenger, they coordinated efforts to raise funds for disaster relief. The Nepali community in Chicago is robust, with many immigrants having established nonprofits, restaurants, and businesses. Recently, the first Nepali street festival took place on August 15, showcasing Nepal’s culture in the Edgewater area. Now, they are rallying to offer aid.

Shriniwas Kabra, vice president of the Nepali American Center, participated in the meeting. He noted the diverse organizations involved and their unified goal—sending funds to Nepali government disaster accounts through traditional and online fundraising efforts. The community also plans to collect material goods for aid.

Nepal and China are responding to the flash floods, which have resulted in nearly 600 deaths and left 2,500 missing, according to government and rescue group reports. Rescuers on the Nepal-China border are saving people, with helicopters lifting individuals to safety. The efforts involve teams reaching damaged checkpoints on the Chinese side. New challenges emerged as a glacial lake formed is starting to overflow, posing further risks. Videos capture floodwaters destroying infrastructure and endangering lives.

In Chicago, the Nepali and Tibetan communities mobilized for support. Kabra, 42, was shocked upon seeing flood videos sent by a friend in Nepal, initially mistaking them for fiction. The floods have severely impacted infrastructure, requiring significant police and army resources, placing strain on the economy.

Kabra owns a flower shop, Emotional Bonding in Niles. For a week starting September 6, all sales will support Nepal relief efforts. Additionally, The Clove Indian and Nepali Cuisine in Glenview plans a similar donation campaign.

Several groups from the emergency meeting initiated a GoFundMe, raising around $600 by Friday night. Rajan Shahi, president of Nepalese Aid in Chicago, is involved in this effort. Donations to the Nepal Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund are also encouraged.

In Evanston, the Tibetan Alliance of Chicago held a vigil on Thursday for flood victims. Community members gathered in prayer, led by Norbu Samphell, who emphasized the Buddhist teachings of seeking happiness for all sentient beings.

At the recent festival, nonprofits engaged with the local community, strengthening cultural ties. Shahi expressed hope for annual events, highlighting the resilience of the Nepalese people.