Nepali Leaders in Chicago Mobilize for Flood Relief
The devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet have sparked an urgent response from Nepali leaders in Chicago. On Wednesday night, they convened a virtual emergency meeting via Facebook Messenger to coordinate fundraising efforts for disaster relief. Chicago hosts thousands of Nepali immigrants who have started nonprofits, opened restaurants, and run businesses. The first-ever Nepali street festival in Edgewater showcased Nepal’s art, music, and food on August 15. Now, these leaders are harnessing their community’s strength to drive action.
Shriniwas Kabra, vice president at the Nepali American Center, joined the virtual meeting that included various organizations. Despite individual goals, attendees agreed to unite efforts in sending fundraising money to Nepali government disaster accounts. They are planning traditional and online fundraisers to pool resources effectively. Kabra emphasized, “Everyone agreed that we need to work together and help in whatever way we can.” The ambition is to eventually gather material goods for relief efforts as well.
In Nepal and China, flash floods have claimed nearly 600 lives and left approximately 2,500 missing, according to governmental and rescue group reports. Rescuers are actively working along the Nepal-China border, while helicopters airlift stranded individuals to safety. A poignant image shows army soldiers aiding a family disembarking from a helicopter in Nepal’s Nuwakot district after rescue operations on August 28, 2026.
Rescue operations are focused on the border checkpoint damaged by floods on the Chinese side. Concern grows over a new lake formed by a glacier collapse, threatening further floods. Experts warn that the overflowing lake may exacerbate the situation. Eyewitness videos depict floodwaters engulfing buildings and people attempting escape.
Chicago’s Nepali and Tibetan communities quickly rallied to extend support. Kabra, 42, was confronted Wednesday with alarming flood footage shared by a friend in Nepal. Initially mistaking it for a movie or AI-generated content, the reality was stark. With messages pouring in from friends and family in Nepal, Kabra described highways being non-operational and the overwhelming strain on economic resources due to redirected efforts from police and army personnel.
Kabra’s Niles flower shop, Emotional Bonding, is pledging proceeds from the week of September 6 to aid relief efforts in Nepal. He collaborates with The Clove Indian and Nepali Cuisine in Glenview, which plans a promotion allowing customers to donate for aid through lunch purchases.
A GoFundMe page initiated by several groups from Wednesday’s meeting has amassed about $600 for flood relief by Friday evening. Rajan Shahi, president of Chicago-based Nepalese Aid, endorses the initiative and encourages donations to the online Nepal Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.
Thursday night, the Tibetan Alliance of Chicago organized a vigil in Evanston to honor flood victims. Community members congregated, praying and reciting Buddhist mantras led by Norbu Samphell. Despite geographic distance, attendees felt a deep emotional link. Samphell stressed that Buddhist teachings advocate for the happiness of all sentient beings. “We feel like we need to do it,” he proclaimed, “because when they are suffering, we should pray that these kinds of sufferings should be minimized.”
At this month’s festival, Shahi noted nonprofits engaging in cultural exchanges with other Chicagoans. He aspires for the festival to become an annual tradition. Shahi expressed confidence in the resilience of Nepalese people: “We will stand together, support one another, and rise again.” The Associated Press contributed to this report.