Bristol man raises funds for family after devastating Nepal floods
A man from Yate is raising money for relatives in Nepal after devastating floods destroyed homes and businesses in his father’s birthplace.
Kabul Maharjan, who runs a robotics and automated systems software consultancy in Yate, said his family in Trisuli was among those affected by the flooding on August 26.
While immediate family members have survived, some are injured, and several extended relatives are yet to be located.
He told us: “My dad was actually born in the village called Trisuli, which has pretty much been wiped out,”
One of his uncles lost his home and his restaurant. His other uncle's home survived, but his mechanic business and equipment were swept away.
The efforts draw inspiration from his cousin Denisha, who initiated fundraising from the USA.
Kabul said around 14 members of his family have been staying in temporary accommodation, with others taking refuge in Kathmandu.
He described the experience of watching the disaster unfold from Bristol, saying the family were "frozen" in shock and initially struggled to contact relatives because communications had been cut.
While the immediate response has provided food and blankets, Kabul said cash is now particularly important for families to buy essentials locally.
Earlier this week, cash raised through the fundraiser was driven to the village, giving families around £20 per person to help buy toiletries, clothes and sanitary products.
The fundraising campaign has now set a £20,000 target to help with immediate needs and the longer-term rebuilding effort.
Kabul said the response from the Bristol community and beyond had been overwhelming.
He said: “It’s really nice to get reminded by things like these, there are brighter sides of this as well, where you can see the community getting together.”
You can find the fundraiser here