The Nepali community in the UAE gathered on Friday to offer prayers for the thousands affected by the flash floods that have left a trail of destruction and devastation.
People bowed their heads in prayer as lamps and candles were lit at the Nepal Consulate in Dubai to remember those who had died and pray for the injured and the thousands still missing in Nepal's border region with China.
Nepal's Consul General, Hari Prasad Odari, described the disaster on August 26, which killed more than 1,250 people, as a Himalayan tsunami for which the country needed sustained support.
“We assemble today for the candlelighting event to pay our solemn tribute to the people who lost their lives,” he said. “It was not an ordinary flood, it was a Himalayan tsunami given its scale and speed. We can only imagine how difficult it has been for the families who lost their beloved ones.
“Our prayers are for those who are injured, we wish them speedy recovery. Our prayers are also for those still missing, we hope we would find them soon.”
Solidarity with Nepal
Mr Odari thanked the UAE for its support to Nepal.
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The Nepali community in the UAE gathers on September 4 to offer prayers for those affected by the flash flood. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National -
People light lamps and candles at the vigil -
People bow their heads in prayer for the victims -
The vigil is held in remembrance of those who have died, those injured and the thousands still missing in Nepal's border region with China -
The disaster on August 26 killed more than 1,300 people -
The UAE has flown more than 100 tonnes of food supplies, shelter materials, essential goods and power generators to Nepal -
The incident has been described as a 'Himalayan tsunami' -
Nepali residents say the vigil is an opportunity to gather to pay respects and pray for the victims
“Within hours of the devastation in Nepal, the UAE announced support and extended a helping hand,” he said. “The UAE is second home to hundreds of thousands of Nepalis. This means a lot. Nepal and Nepali people are grateful for this generosity.”
An Emirati search and rescue team on Friday landed in Nepal to support the humanitarian response to the floods.
The emergency task force was flown in on a UAE relief plane also carrying 20 tonnes of additional aid.
The National reported this week that the UAE had flown 83 tonnes of food supplies and shelter materials to Nepal. A second aircraft delivered 45 tonnes of relief supplies, including basic food items, essential goods and power generators.
Beacon of support
Nepali residents said the vigil was an opportunity to gather to pay respects and pray for the victims.
“The candlelight vigil is our way of showing respect and solidarity with the situation at home,” said Manoj Marahatta, a Nepali businessman and Dubai resident. “There are entrepreneurs, professionals, families who have come together to the consulate.
“We stand together to let Nepal know that no matter that we are outside our home country, our heart, our mind, our soul, our support is there for our motherland.”
