Nepal flood victims remembered in candlelit vigil
Town unites to remember those affected by Nepal-Tibet disaster
Members of Corby's Nepalese community have gathered to remember those affected by devastating flooding on the Nepal-Tibet border.
According to the British Red Cross, more than 4,000 people, including children, are missing and over 1,000 have died after flash floods struck Nepal's Rasuwa district and parts of Tibet on 26th August.
The disaster is believed to have been caused by a surge of water flowing into the Bhote Koshi River from Tibet, sending floodwaters through villages with little warning. Families lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods, while many survivors remain displaced as rescue efforts continue.
A vigil organised by Nepalese families took place outside the Corby Cube on Tuesday and was attended by members of the local community.
Corby mayor Councillor Stephen O'Brien, councillors from North Northamptonshire and representatives from the Royal British Legion were among those at the event, where candles were lit and a moment of silence was observed.
O'Brien said it was important for people in Corby to show their support for those affected by the tragedy.
"Community solidarity is really at the forefront of who we are. It's in our DNA," he said.
"When we see people in challenging circumstances, which the Nepalese families are at the moment following the devastation we've witnessed, then it's important to show up, stand with them and support them."
He said some Nepalese families in Corby had relatives living in the affected area but had so far avoided the worst of the disaster.
The mayor said many people at the vigil were deeply concerned by events unfolding in Nepal.
"There is a very strong feeling that Nepal is their home and they wanted to show they were standing with the people who had been affected."
"Regardless of where you live around the world, home will always be where you come from," he added.
Historic ties
The mayor said the event also highlighted longstanding links between Corby's Nepalese residents and the Royal British Legion through the service of Gurkha soldiers in the British Army.
He described the gathering as a "quiet, reflective vigil" that brought people together in support of those affected.
"It was a beautiful sight and I was very proud to be able to say a few words there," he said.
"It was quite moving in a way, but a very quiet, contemplative event that really just brought people together and showed that Corby was standing with this Nepalese group, who are an integral part of the town."
Mr O'Brien said Corby's diverse population was one of the town's strengths.
"Corby is a town that has been built on waves of immigration," he said.
"We've had Scots and Irish, then Eastern Europeans, and more recently Afro-Caribbean and Nigerian communities.
"They all bring something of their culture to the town and it becomes a multicultural place. We all benefit from that."
He added that people in Corby consistently come together in difficult times.
"When the chips are down and when things are difficult, Corby people will rally behind those groups and support them to the hilt, and I think that's to the credit of the town."
As part of ongoing efforts, a Nepal flash flood emergency fund has been established for donations. For more information visit www.gofundme.com