On Aug. 26, a flash flood hit north-central Nepal, causing 1,280 deaths with 5,600 people unaccounted for.
While Nepal is experiencing a tragedy, some Iowa State students are worried about their families back home. Some students aren’t aware of their families’ whereabouts, while students who created memories in places that are now unrecognizable.
“When you see people from your own country or maybe places you’ve traveled to [not] exist anymore, it affects you emotionally and mentally, even if they’re not your direct relatives or friends,” Shristi Shrestha, a graduate student in human computer interaction, said.
The flood in Nepal was caused by high altitudes and a glacier collapse. The glacier falls can be linked to recent climate activity. Between 2011 and 2020, the Himalayan glaciers have melted 65% faster than expected. As global temperatures reach record highs, countries located along the mountain regions are experiencing climate-related disasters despite their low contributions to carbon dioxide emissions, which has started discussions worldwide.
“I think that there has to be a conversation [about] plans of climate justice, environmental justice and also planning,” Jiwnath Ghimire, adviser of the Nepalese Student Association and a professor in urban planning and development, said. “How can we plan better for this, and how can we make a warning system that can withstand some of these devastations?”
On Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., the Nepalese Student Association will be hosting a candlelight vigil at the Campanile. A moment of silence will be held for those who have lost their lives in the flood. There will also be donation options available for those who wish to contribute to disaster relief efforts. The disaster relief will go to food, clothes, medical relief and search and rescue.
“A dollar here, which is nothing for most people, is a meal or two for a family,” Samrajya Thapa, president of the Nepalese Student Association and a graduate studying computer science, said. “$10 is clothes, food, maybe for an entire week. The smallest amount of a donation goes a long way back home.”
For more information about the Nepalese Student Association, click here.