Nepal disaster: South Africans urged to help victims through relief fund
The South African Hindu Maha Sabha is coordinating a humanitarian appeal to support those affected by the disaster.
With international relief teams still waiting for the green light to enter Nepal, a local organisation has contacted the government there to see how else South Africans can assist thousands affected.
A glacier collapse in the Himalayas unleashed a devastating flash flood along the Nepal-Tibet border a week ago.
The latest death toll stands at 1 066.
Over 4 000 people, including six South Africans, are missing.
Relief teams await entry
The Nepalese government has been cautious about allowing international rescue and relief teams to enter, particularly because of the difficult terrain.
Brij Maharaj, the deputy president of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha, says they reached out to authorities to ask what they can do to help.
“The honorary South African ambassador in Nepal, Pradeep Shrestha, advised us that the best way to show solidarity with Nepal would be to make a contribution via the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund.
“This is an open, transparent fund that will be used for relief efforts and rebuilding after the disaster. About 93 000 people have been displaced.”
Maharaj says the Maha Sabha is now coordinating this relief effort from South Africa.
“The Maha Sabha is calling upon all affiliates, organisations, and communities to support by making donations. And I think it must be emphasised, this is not a religious call. This is a humanitarian appeal.
“The Maha Sabha has an Initiative 108, which is an NPC account, and it is a dedicated account. People interested in donating can pick up the banking details from our website and our Facebook page.”
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Beacon of hope
He says this week is one of the most auspicious weeks in the Hindu calendar.
“When we celebrate the arrival of Lord Krishna on Earth. The Maha Sabha has requested all the temples who are observing Gita week to light a dedicated Akhand Deep.
“This is a continuously burning lamp. So, we pray that this sacred flame will burn bright as an unbroken beacon of hope, guidance, and spiritual light for those missing.”
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