WEST HARTFORD, CT — West Hartford leaders Thursday reached out to the local Nepalese community following this week's devastating flooding and mudslides in the Himalayas.
West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor offered the town's support to its Nepalese community following catastrophic flooding in Nepal and Tibet that has killed hundreds of people and left many more missing.
The disaster struck the mountainous Nepal-China border region Wednesday after a massive collapse of rock and glacial ice triggered a destructive surge of water, mud and debris through communities downstream. The death toll has continued to climb as rescue crews search devastated areas.
Cantor addressed the disaster Thursday in a social media post, noting West Hartford's ties to Nepal and the anxiety local families may be experiencing as they await information about relatives and friends.
"Our hearts go out to the people of Nepal following the devastating floods that have caused tremendous loss of life, displacement, and destruction," Cantor wrote.
"West Hartford is home to a large and vibrant Nepalese community, and we know this tragedy is deeply personal for many of our neighbors," she added. "Families may be waiting anxiously for news of loved ones, grieving those who have been lost, or watching communities they know and love face extraordinary devastation."
West Hartford has developed a significant Nepalese community over the past two decades, with local organizations including the Nepalese Association of Connecticut, which is based in West Hartford.
It provides cultural connections and support.
"On behalf of the Town of West Hartford, we extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected, especially members of our Nepalese community whose families, friends, and loved ones are impacted," Cantor wrote.
The mayor said the town plans to share information about credible relief efforts as recovery work continues.
"To our Nepalese neighbors, please know that your West Hartford community is thinking of you and your loved ones," Cantor said.
The scale of the disaster was still emerging Friday.
Authorities reported 489 deaths in Nepal and five in Tibet, while nearly 1,000 people remained missing, according to Reuters reporting.
A newly formed lake along the border also began overflowing Friday, temporarily disrupting rescue operations and raising fears of additional flooding.
Satellite imagery examined after the disaster showed that bedrock and glacial ice collapsed high in the Himalayas near Langtang Lirung, sending an enormous mass of ice, rock and debris downhill and ultimately producing catastrophic flooding.
The collapse also generated significant seismic energy.
Scientists have emphasized that the seismic activity detected during the event was produced by the collapse and debris flow rather than an earthquake triggering the disaster.
Floodwaters and debris destroyed buildings, roads, bridges, and other infrastructure, while videos showed residents scrambling to escape as the torrent swept through communities.
The difficult mountain terrain and destruction of transportation routes have complicated search-and-rescue operations.
For West Hartford, the disaster is being felt thousands of miles away through a Nepalese community with close family and cultural connections to the country.
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