Wall Heath Nepalese restaurant collecting donations for disaster relief after 'devastating' floods
The owner of the Gurkha Kitchen said his wife's cousin is among those still missing in Nepal
The owner of a Nepalese restaurant in Wall Heath is collecting donations for the disaster relief fund following the devastating flash floods that hit the country last week.
Rishi Sapkota runs the Gurkha Kitchen and told us it's been an incredibly difficult time for Nepalese people all over the world.
He said his wife's cousin is among the thousands of people still missing after the floods hit on August 26.
"He was one of the pilgrims," Mr Sapkota said. "He's been missing since that day - it's something extremely sad for us.
"Every Nepalese person is like a family member.
"We're gutted."
According to the UN, as of September 1, over 1,000 people are confirmed to have died and more than 4,000 are still missing.
Staff members are pitching in their tips
A donation box sits on a table surrounded by orange flowers and candles in the middle of the restaurant.
Mr Sapkota said as well as customers making donations, staff members are making sure to put their tips in with the fund as well.
Before the money is sent to the official Nepalese Government's Disaster Relief Fund, he said the restaurant itself will be adding in further donations too.
Mr Sapkota said: "The disaster is horrific.
"Everybody in this restaurant is so kind - they've been very kind, sharing lovely words and prayers.
"We've been very happy to see that."
People urged to support Nepalese community in the West Midlands
Mr Sapkota said it's important for not only the Nepalese community itself but for everybody to unite to support one another as the aftermath of the disaster continues to unfold.
"We need prayers, you know," he said.
"Please pray for those beautiful souls. Pray for Nepal.
"Please support us in this difficult time - any support is massive."
He continued: "This is a time where we've all suffered.
"This is something beyond imagination and we all need to come together and support each other."
He's urging people across the West Midlands to come together to support those directly impacted by the floods and those who may be struggling to deal with the news.