RI Nepalese community collecting donations, funds for earthquake victims

By: Melissa Randall
mrandall@abc6.com
@MRandallABC6

Sunday night candles spelled out ‘Nepal’ at a Boston vigil to remember the victims of Saturday’s earthquake. The devastation of what happened hits home for many in the Rhode Island Nepalese community. As the dust settles in their homeland, the group is working to collect funds and donations to help their people.

“It was very devastating… like I remember going past all these historic buildings and it’s just sad,” said Allena Dhital who has family in Nepal.

Paris Aryal says he was able to get in touch with family members after several attempts. He is grateful to know that his relatives were among the survivors.

“It was a big relief for us— at least to hear the sound on the phone that they are safe. But they were not secure by any means,” said Aryal.

The magnitude 7.8 quake is being followed by aftershocks.

“They are still not able to move back to their homes so they have make-shift shelters and make shift clinics outside of the hospital as a home,” explained Aryal.

But they are the fortunate ones. Thousands are dead around the region. Thousands more injured. The local Nepalese community is now stepping up to help those in need.

“It’s all about how can we get the resources there. I don’t even think we’ve thought about rebuilding process yet because there are a lot of people who are still trying to find water and food and blankets and medical services,” said Sami Adhikari.

Donations and supplies are currently being collected. To learn more you can go to the Nepalese Association of Rhode Island’s website at: http://naofri.org/

Or visit their gofundme page at: http://www.gofundme.com/disasterreliefnp

So far more than $3,000 has been raised for the earthquake victims. The goal is $5,000.

© WLNE-TV 2015