Bhubaneswar: The devastating floods that have ravaged large parts of Nepal have left members of the Nepalese community in Odisha worried about the safety of their families back home. Students, workers, business operators and professionals from the neighbouring nation residing in Bhubaneswar and other parts of the state said they have been trying to contact relatives amid reports of widespread destruction, loss of lives and displacement.Many said they spent sleepless nights tracking updates and calling family members in flood-hit districts. “The phone networks were down for several hours and we could not reach our relatives,” said Ramesh Karki, a PG student at a university here. He said those were the longest hours of their lives. “Thankfully, they are safe now, but several houses in our neighbourhood have been damaged,” added Karki. His family lives in a flood-affected area near Kathmandu.Restaurant operator Sushila Gurung, who has been living in Bhubaneswar for over a decade, said the tragedy has struck deep in the heart. “We are planning to collect funds and essential supplies. Our hearts are with the victims,” she said. The disaster has also triggered concern among Nepalese workers employed in the hospitality, security and service sectors in Odisha. “My village has been cut off from nearby towns after roads were washed away,” said Bikash Thapa, a security guard by profession.Thapa said that his parents have moved to a temporary shelter. “I wanted to go home and help my family, but travelling immediately is not easy. I am praying to the almighty that the rescue operations are completed successfully,” he said. Professionals from Nepal working in Odisha described the situation as emotionally overwhelming. “Every few minutes we check social media and news updates. The images coming from Nepal are heartbreaking,” said Anita Pradhan, an IT professional. She said natural disasters are becoming more frequent. “There is an urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness and infrastructure. A detailed investigation in this disaster is the need,” she said.Nepalese students studying here said they were coordinating with community groups and local organisations to mobilise support. “Many students here have families in affected regions,” said Darshit Sah, a student at a private university here. He said that he talked with his immediate family, but has not been able to contact several relatives living in the affected areas. “I pray to the Lord that they remain safe. Seeing news reports and images confirming so many casualties breaks my soul,” he said.
