When the Himalayan floods surged along Nepal’s border with China last week, the tragedy struck far from the bustling streets of Pasadena, but it hit close to home for a group of local workers. Employees of the Himalayan Café, a family‑run eatery in Pasadena, have been scrambling to contact relatives, friends and classmates in the disaster zone.
Personal toll on Pasadena workers
“I haven’t slept,” said Manika Panta, who works alongside her cousin at the café. “It’s so heartbreaking to see all those images.” Panta and several co‑workers have family members in the affected villages. Some have received brief messages that their loved ones are safe, but many remain out of reach due to power outages, loss of Wi‑Fi and damaged communications infrastructure.
“One of my classmates, he has been gone missing and my mother’s cousin, he has been missing, as well, and so many relatives they have been like contactless,” Panta explained. “There is no electricity, no Wi‑Fi, no data working, right now. Maybe that might be the reason we have been contactless with the people. But hopefully, let’s hope, let’s pray they are fine.”
Scale of the disaster
According to Nepali and Chinese authorities, the torrent of water, mud and debris that struck Wednesday claimed more than 570 lives by Friday and left the death toll climbing. Over 1,900 people are reported missing, and a newly formed upstream lake poses a continuing flood risk. Rescue teams have saved more than 3,700 individuals, yet 1,924 remain unaccounted for.
Experts attribute the catastrophe to the sudden separation of a large glacier that tumbled down a steep slope, unleashing a massive surge of meltwater. The region’s rugged terrain and limited infrastructure have hampered relief efforts, leaving many villages without power, clean water or reliable communications.
Community response in Pasadena
While the Himalayan Café staff continue their personal search, the broader Pasadena community has begun to rally. Neighbors have organized donation drives for food, blankets and emergency supplies, and local churches are offering prayer services for the victims and their families. The café itself has posted updates on social media, sharing photos and messages in hopes of reaching anyone who can provide information.
“We want to help in any way we can,” said café owner Raj Sharma, who has roots in the same region. “Our customers have been incredibly supportive, and we’re grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers.”
How to help
Residents who wish to assist can contribute to reputable relief organizations operating in Nepal, such as the Nepal Red Cross Society, Direct Relief, and local NGOs coordinating on‑the‑ground aid. Monetary donations are especially valuable, as they allow responders to purchase needed supplies quickly.
For those with personal connections to the affected area, sharing accurate information and staying in touch with relatives through any available channel—radio, satellite phones or community networks—can make a critical difference.
Looking ahead
The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor the new lake for potential overflow. As rescue teams work around the clock, the hope of families like those of the Himalayan Café staff is that their loved ones will be found safe and sound.
In the meantime, Pasadena’s own community stands united, offering prayers, support and tangible aid to a distant region that feels like an extended family.
Original reporting: NBC4 Los Angeles — read the source article.
