Community shocked by floods in Nepal: Swiss diaspora in mourning

At least 670 people have died in a devastating landslide in Nepal, with nearly 3,000 others still missing, according to reports. The tragedy has struck deeply within the Swiss diaspora community of Nepalis, many of whom live in Switzerland and are mourning lost loved ones. Around 1,500 Nepalis reside in the country, and many know victims personally. In Winterthur, members of the Swiss-Nepal Friendship Association gather regularly in a restaurant over tea, sharing updates and trying to cope with the emotional toll of the disaster. The landslide occurred in the Himalayas, and its impact has reached far beyond the region. For Ram Dhungana, the loss of his brother-in-law and 22 classmates is particularly painful. His brother-in-law had been driving a truck near the Tibetan border before vanishing without a trace. “My brother-in-law was heading down the mountain from the Tibetan border,” Dhungana explained. “His vehicle was registered at the border, but since then there has been no sign of him or the truck.” The uncertainty weighs heavily on him. “I’m very sad.” Kamal Bhatta initially struggled to believe the news. “I didn’t realize it at first,” he said. “When I saw the videos later, I thought they were fake. But after seeing the area where I once lived, it was a huge shock.” Bhatta shared stories of friends who are unable to speak yet because their villages were destroyed near the disaster site. The videos of the devastation flooding social media chats have left the community in stunned silence. For some, connecting with friends back home offers comfort, while for others, the pain is too fresh. Arjun Baskatori emphasized the collective grief among Nepalis in Switzerland. “It’s not just about whether my family is directly affected, we are all Nepalis,” he said. His brother and 20 schoolmates remain missing, and the community continues to wait for news. The sense of helplessness is palpable. “We’re sitting here looking at our hands and watching these videos,” said Daivjya Bastakoti. The emotional burden is immense, with many spending hours glued to their phones, hoping for updates. Despite this, the community is trying to support each other in whatever ways possible. Kamal Bhatta noted that the group is focusing on raising funds and providing financial assistance. “We are trying to give donations and financial support right now,” he said. “That’s all we can do. Our goal is to make sure the aid reaches the right place.” The efforts reflect a deep commitment to helping those affected in Nepal. Markus Ruckstuhl, president of the Swiss-Nepalese Society (SNS), plays a crucial role in offering structure and guidance to the community. “I can provide a platform to process emotions and motivate people to donate,” he said. While the immediate response is limited, Ruckstuhl believes that coming together, grieving, and supporting one another is vital during this time of crisis. The Swiss-Nepali community continues to hold meetings, share information, and plan how best to assist those affected in Nepal. As the days pass, the hope remains that more survivors will be found and that the support from abroad will reach those in need. The community's resilience and solidarity stand as a testament to their enduring connection to their homeland despite the distance.