Members of Australia's multicultural communities have come together to offer help to those affected by devastating floods in Nepal. While many Nepali Australians are organising vigils to support their homeland, Australia's Sikh community has also offered langar, prayers and fundraising support. Listen to the stories of brotherhood and solidarity in the face of adversity via this SBS Punjabi podcast.
Rescue and recovery efforts continue in Nepal after devastating floods. As the death toll and list of missing people in the flood-devastated region rises, the migrant communities living thousands of miles away in Australia are facing hard times coping with the loss.
To support fellow Nepali migrants like himself, Arjun Chalise has organised candlelight vigils and community gatherings.
"Sitting so far away, there is not a lot we could do. So I tried to connect as many families going through the same grief as I was and organised a vigil. We will continue to organise such community events," he said.
Other communities, including Sikhs, have also extended support, in the form of open kitchens, fundraisers, and prayers.
Harpreet Singh Kandra, from Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara in Officer, told SBS Punjabi that the Sikh community had attended vigils organised by the Nepali community.
"We attended the vigils, and we are now holding Sunday 'Ardaas' (prayers) at the Sikh temple to support the rescue workers, as well as the families affected."
"For the Nepali community living in Australia, we are also offering free food and company whenever they require it. The gurdwara has launched a fundraiser with an aim to collect $5000."
It is especially important in today's time to help each other and talk about unity and humanity when there is so much noise that divides usHarpreet Singh Kandra
Former Mayor of Maribyrnong Pardeep Tiwari also attended a vigil at Federation Square in Melbourne.
"To our Nepalese Australian community, please know that you are not alone. Your grief is being felt throughout our community. Tonight, Australia stands with you; Victoria stands with you," he said.
The Australian government has also increased its humanitarian response. “Australian help is on its way to Nepal," PM Albanese said in a statement.
“Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those Australians who are still missing."
According to the PM's office, a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A carrying humanitarian supplies, equipment and personnel has been deployed to support the relief effort. The government has also sent additional response personnel to Kathmandu.
The Australian government has so far announced an $8 million assistance package for communities affected by the catastrophic floods along the Nepal-China border, as well as additional consular and humanitarian support.
As of September 1, forty-two Australians were still unaccounted for, according to the Australian government, while rescue and recovery operations continue.
Australians seeking emergency consular assistance can contact DFAT's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135, or from overseas on +61 2 6261 3305.
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