The Nepalese community of Hobart is gathering this evening for a candlelight vigil to honour those who have lost their lives in the devastating floods in Nepal.
The vigil will be held at Montrose Foreshore Park from 5:30pm.
Organised by Tasmania’s Nepalese community, the event is intended to bring together the Nepalese and wider Tasmanian communities in a show of unity and solidarity with those affected by the disaster.
The massive flooding stemmed from a glacier collapse in the Nepal-Tibet border region last Wednesday.
The combined death toll in Nepal and China has surpassed 950, with more than 4,400 people still missing according to AP.
Rescuers continue to struggle to reach affected communities days after the disaster.
Among the 341 missing foreign nationals are 43 Australians.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff brought a condolence motion to Parliament today, expressing deep sympathy for the people of Nepal.
“This tragedy has claimed hundreds of lives, left thousands missing, destroyed communities, swept away homes, businesses and critical infrastructure and plunged countless families into grief and uncertainty,” he said.
Rockliff acknowledged the burden being carried by Tasmania’s Nepalese community.
“To those members of Tasmania’s Nepalese community, I want to say this: your grief is shared by this Parliament and by the people of Tasmania,” he said.
“We stand with you during this extremely difficult time.”
He highlighted the story of school principal Rajendra Dawadi, who acted without hesitation to move students and teachers to safety when warnings of approaching floodwaters came through.
“His actions stand as a powerful reminder that courage is often found not in extraordinary people, but in the ordinary people who undertake extraordinary actions when others depend on them,” Rockliff said.
The vigil offers an opportunity for the community to pause, reflect and show support for families and friends grieving the loss of loved ones.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
