Three weeks ago, flash floods devastated communities along the China-Nepal border, but the sheer scale of this nightmare is still revealing itself. Rescuers are desperately searching for the over 6,150 people still missing, while over 1,400 lives have been confirmed lost. 

Survivors of the floods are facing a difficult recovery. In an instant, an area filled with vibrant communities, just like Somerville, was decimated. The infrastructure impacts are catastrophic, with $200 million needed to repair Nepal’s roads and bridges alone. But the personal losses are immeasurable. It’s estimated that the floods destroyed 8,317 Nepali homes. That’s thousands of tables where families gathered for meals, thousands of beds parents used to tuck in their kids – vanished in seconds.

But we can help. If you’re able to support recovery efforts, donations can be made to the Nepali Red Cross or directly to the Government of Nepal through the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund. There’s a long road to recovery ahead for Nepal, but with our support, survivors don’t need to walk it alone.

I also want to share my gratitude and sympathy with Somerville’s Nepali community. Over the past three weeks you’ve transformed your grief and fear into the type of courage and resilience that is an inspiration and call to action for all of us.

Longtime Somerville resident Vijendra Kumar Pradhan, who recently passed, exemplified that spirit. My deepest condolences on this profound loss are with his family, friends, and the entire Nepali community. Vijendra was a talented artist, energetic community leader, and cherished friend to many. He served as President of the Newah Organization of New England and was an impactful member of the Greater Boston Nepali community. His generosity, friendship, and kindness now serve as lights to help guide all of us through these difficult times.

-Mayor Jake Wilson