‘Nepal is bleeding’: Aussies dig deep for flood-ravaged country

Australians have rallied to donate a collective $16 million to support victims of the flood disaster in Nepal, as members of the Nepalese-Australian community warn their home country continues to “bleed”. 

Four weeks since the deadly floods on August 26 that killed 1400 people, local authorities estimate 6150 people are still missing. 

The devastation was caused by floods unleashed by an avalanche of rock and ice on the Nepal-Tibet border. 

The generous sum donated by Australians is in addition to the $11 million in aid provided by the Australian government – $5 million of which matched the public’s generosity. 

Nabin KC runs the Bittersweet Cafe in Canberra, which on Monday donated all revenue from coffee sales to flood appeals. 

The business raised more than $1500 and an additional $700 in cash was donated from customers. 

Nabin donated a further $5000 of his own money to his native country, and thanked customers for their generosity. 

“Nepal is bleeding, my country is bleeding. A lot of people have lost their houses, good people, family, friends, their loved ones, so many are missing,” Nabin said.

“People came from all over. They’ve supported us by buying the coffee but a lot of them gave us actual cash for the families back home. 

“We need your help, this is such a hard time for the Nepalese. If you can support us, please do.” 

The Nepal government estimates between $2.5 and $5 billion in damage was caused by the disaster. 

Donations have been used to provide shelter, food and basic supplies that are still desperately lacking almost one month since the tragedy. 

The federal government provided support including sanitation kits, shelter kits and solar lights.

It also offered search and rescue assistance.

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In the days after the flood, Foreign Minister Penny Wong – who is in New York with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese – thanked Australians for their generosity. 

“The generosity of Australians has been outstanding and extraordinary,” Wong told Nine’s Today at the time. 

The federal government urged those wishing to donate to do so through the Emergency Action Alliance.