Ireland’s Nepalese community fundraising for Nepal floods victims

Over 3,000 Nepalese live in Ireland

More than 3,000 Nepalese people live in Ireland, and some are anxiously awaiting news of relatives and friends caught up in the disaster.

Pravin Baral, general secretary of the Non-Resident Nepalese Association Ireland, told RTÉ News that the tragedy has already reached members of the community here.

"A member of ours has a restaurant in Dublin here and his employee there, we know that his father has lost his life in this flash flood but apart from that, about his family members, we don't know yet," the Dublin-based Baral said. "So we're just trying to establish some connection there."

Many of those affected remain difficult to contact, with floodwaters and damage to infrastructure and communication networks leaving some areas isolated.

Here's how much has been raised so far

Baral, who has lived in Ireland for 13 years, said the community moved quickly once news of the catastrophe emerged.

"So the day the flash flood happened, we talked with the members and we decided to establish a fundraiser, donations through online," he said, with the appeal run through Facebook.

"And we are trying that through Facebook, posting to anybody if they can help any amount, you know, that might help anybody's life or save lives."

The appeal has raised around €2,000 to date.

"€2,000 is not too much, but still it is something to help," Baral added, describing a strong sense of helplessness among those unable to be with loved ones at such a difficult time.

Earlier this week, the Nepal floods death toll rose to 469, and two Irish tourists were among the missing.