Edmonton’s Nepalese community is pledging to help with fundraising efforts in the wake of Wednesday’s devastating flooding in the south Asian country. Hundreds of people are confirmed dead and more than 1,400 still missing, including some Canadians, after a huge chunk of a glacier broke off in the Himalayas and temporarily dammed a river, scientists say. Nepal, the mountainous home to the world’s highest peak on Mount Everest, is a landlocked country that shares its northern border with China. Global Affairs Canada says it’s aware of 30 Canadians and permanent residents who are unaccounted for. Saugat KC, the general secretary for the Nepalese Canadian Society of Edmonton, told CTV News Edmonton on Thursday that while he’s been able to confirm his family’s safety overseas, others are waiting to hear news of their loved ones as search-and-rescue efforts continue. The local association is offering mental health supports to people in the city, attempting to connect people with families in Nepal and directing people interested in donating to an official emergency fund set up by Nepal’s prime minister. KC said the Edmonton association will also raise funds and see if an organization such as the Red Cross will match it. “If the Red Cross matches it, the Red Cross will receive it, and they’ll do the aid,” he said. “If not, we’ll be just donating it to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.” With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Darcy Seaton
