Dozens of people from the Nepali community in Antwerp gathered at Antwerp Cathedral last night to commemorate the victims of the recent floods and to offer each other support. Some of those present still have family members in the affected area. The city is also showing its solidarity by donating 15,000 euros in emergency aid.
“Our community has been hit hard,” says Balendra Gurung, who attended the memorial service. “The past few weeks have been incredibly difficult. The floods have caused a great deal of misery and dangerous situations. I myself have family members who are still missing.”
A sense of powerlessness prevails within the community. “There’s nothing we can do. All we can do is come together, pray and hope that everything will be all right.”
Kasi Danai also came to pay his respects. “A great many people have lost their lives in the severe mudslides. That is a huge loss. I live in Belgium, but I want to continue supporting my community from here too.”
Kasi’s message is shared by the other attendees. “We’ve lived here for many years, but it remains important to stand up for our community. Climate change is taking a terrible toll, and we must pay attention to that.”
City of Antwerp donates 15,000 euros for emergency aid
The City of Antwerp helped organise the commemoration. “It is our duty to show solidarity with the rest of the world,” says Lien Van de Kelder, alderwoman for International Solidarity. “There is a large Nepali community in Antwerp, and we must support them.”
The city is donating 15,000 euros in emergency aid via Consortium 12-12. “There is great concern. Everyone knows people, either close to home or further afield, who have experienced the disaster. Our hearts and our thoughts are with them.”