FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — Community members and local leaders gathered at Fresno State on Thursday evening to honor the thousands of people lost in Nepal’s deadly flash flood and show support for ongoing recovery efforts.<\/p>\n
A vigil was held at Fresno State’s Peace Garden as Nepal continues to grapple with widespread destruction from the flooding.<\/p>\n
Rescue efforts remain underway, with crews searching for thousands of people who remain missing while the death toll has risen to more than 1,200.<\/p>\n
The catastrophe has resonated with people far beyond Nepal, including members of Central California’s Nepali community.<\/p>\n
“When tragedy strikes faraway, the distance can feel enormous,” Fresno State President Dr. Sa\u00fal Jim\u00e9nez-Sandoval said.<\/p>\n
For Fresno resident Suyasha Dangi, the disaster highlights how quickly lives can change.<\/p>\n
“Hearing the tragedy, has really affected me and really shown me how life can change in a matter of seconds,” Dangi said.<\/p>\n
The vigil brought together community members in a shared expression of grief and solidarity. Attendees observed a moment of silence in memory of those who died.<\/p>\n
“Join us to observe one minute of silence,” organizers announced during the gathering.<\/p>\n
The event also highlighted the need for continued support as Nepal responds to the disaster.<\/p>\n
“This is the time when they need our help and support,” one speaker said.<\/p>\n
Among those at the vigil was Dr. Mohan Dangi, a professor in Fresno State’s City & Regional Department who has researched and worked in Nepal and has ties to the affected area. Dangi helped build a school after a deadly earthquake struck the country in 2015.<\/p>\n
Dangi said friends and family members are among those searching for loved ones following the flooding.<\/p>\n
“Two of my tour guides come from that area who are missing family members, as well as one distant relative. She’s also missing relatives,” Dangi said.<\/p>\n
According to Dangi, the flooding washed away homes, ruined crops and damaged hydroelectric power plants, leaving lasting impacts on affected communities.<\/p>\n
“This happened in a very narrow river valley, but the impact will be there for a long, long time to come,” Dangi said.<\/p>\n
As Nepal continues recovery efforts, organizers said the Fresno gathering will also help support relief efforts through Nepal’s government disaster relief fund.<\/p>\n
Thousands of lives have been changed by the disaster as the country works to rebuild and recover.<\/p>\n
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