As deaths rise in Nepal floods, Northern Virginia vigil honors victims and those still missing – WTOP News
As the death toll continues to rise and thousands remain missing following last week’s devastating floods in Nepal along the China border, D.C.-area community members gathered Sunday to raise awareness and money for relief efforts.
A few dozen people gathered Sunday in the parking lot of the Fairfax County Government Center for a candlelight vigil hosted by PKP Tender Hearts Foundation — an area group dedicated to preserving Nepalese culture and serving communities in Nepal, and George Mason University’s Nepalese Student Association.
Prabha Bhattarai Deuja, founder and president of the Tender Hearts Foundation, said among the thousands still missing in Nepal are 15 Northern Virginia community members.
“These are friends, these are family, these are colleagues, these are our community members. We go to the same temple, so yeah, we are devastated,” Deuja said.
PKP member Yojan Gautam has still not heard from his uncle or two twin cousins living in Nepal. He said he hopes they’re safe, but as time passes without word from them, his concern continues to grow.
“It’s like it’s always in the back of my mind no matter what I’m doing. And I’m trying to see what I can do to help. And currently my hands are tied,” Gautam said. “The most I can do is help with the organization, give more relief, and get the word spread so that people can go look for them if they are somewhere, hopefully they are safe, somewhere in the forest.”
Deuja called on elected officials to send D.C.-area rescue crews to Nepal to assist with recovery efforts.
Kannan Srinivasan, a Virginia state senator representing District 32 in eastern Loudoun County, attended the vigil. Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, who represents Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, also provided recorded remarks.
“I have friends and constituents who are missing, and we’re doing everything we can to get information and support their families and friends at this time,” Srinivasan said. “It’s very important for all of us to get together and be together, and we’re hopeful that all of us working together, we’ll be able to get more information.”
Other speakers echoed the importance of community during Sunday’s vigil.
Community members held signs reading “Stand with Nepal” and “Every Life Matters” as they gathered around a table of battery-powered candles, flowers and incense.
“Keep your positive hope,” Deuja said. “We got to pray for Nepal. We need the unity at this time. Please pray for them, every one of them.”
People can donate to Nepal flood relief efforts through the PKP Tender Hearts Foundation website.