The disaster struck Aug. 26 when a glacier collapse triggered a sudden surge of water and mud, sweeping through towns and villages with little to no warning. Entire communities were destroyed, along with farmland, homes and religious sites.
For many Nepalese Americans in North Carolina, the tragedy feels deeply personal.
"I was shocked. Is that even possible? To happen in Nepal?" said Dharma Pantha, a community member with family ties to the region.
Pantha said the devastation continues to weigh heavily on him.
"I still cannot sleep because of that news, what happened in that community," he said.
Trailokaya Raj Bajgain said the suddenness of the disaster makes it especially difficult to comprehend.
"It's high up in the valleys. The air is clean. And all of a sudden everything is just wiped away," Bajgain said. "If there had been heavy rain, people would at least have anticipated something. This was just so sudden."
Unlike traditional flooding caused by monsoon rains, officials say this type of glacial flood is rare in Nepal. Existing warning systems are generally designed to monitor rainfall and river levels, not sudden glacier collapses in remote mountain regions.
As search-and-rescue operations continue, many families remain desperate for information about missing loved ones.
Deniss Nasarki, a local restaurant owner, said some of his friends have not been heard from since the disaster.
"I really feel very sad," Nasarki said. "Many people are missing. Some of my friends are missing from the flood and are still without contact."
Beyond the immediate loss of life, community members worry about the long-term impact on Nepal's economy and infrastructure.
"Nepal is known for Everest, adventure and nature tourism," Bajgain said. "The earthquakes set us back, and it took years to recover. Now, after this catastrophe, many people believe the economic impact could be on the same level as a major earthquake."
Recovery efforts are expected to take years due to the country's rugged terrain and the extensive damage across the affected region
In North Carolina, local organizations are already mobilizing support. The Nepal Center of North Carolina is coordinating fundraising efforts to help those affected by the disaster.
"The president of the Nepal Center of North Carolina has been very active in coordinating relief efforts," Pantha said. "This time, donations will be centralized and sent directly to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund so they can be used for the affected people."
As families await news from home, many in the local Nepalese community say they remain focused on providing aid and supporting one another during a difficult time.
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