Nepali Community in UAE Holds Emotional Vigil as UAE Sends Vital Aid to Flood-Hit Homeland

The Nepali community in the UAE gathered on Friday to offer prayers for the thousands affected by catastrophic floods that left a trail of destruction and devastation. People bowed their heads in prayer as lamps and candles were lit at a special function at the Nepal Consulate in Dubai to remember those who had died and pray for the injured and the thousands still missing.

Nepal consul general Hari Prasad Odari described the disaster as a Himalayan tsunami from which the country needed sustained support. "We assemble today for the candle lighting event to pay our solemn tribute to the people who lost their lives," he said, adding that the scale and speed of the disaster were unprecedented.

Mr Odari expressed gratitude to the UAE for its swift response, noting that the nation serves as a second home to hundreds of thousands of Nepalis. An Emirati search and rescue team landed in Nepal on Friday, alongside a relief plane carrying 20 tonnes of additional aid, following previous shipments of food supplies and shelter materials.

Nepali residents emphasized that the gathering was a powerful display of unity and solidarity. "We stand together to let Nepal know that no matter that we are outside our home country, our heart, our mind, our soul, our support is there for our motherland," said Manoj Marahatta, a Nepali businessman and Dubai resident.