Maj Udai Gurung – Colchester.
On Saturday, 26 September, members of Colchester’s Nepali community gathered alongside civic leaders, faith leaders, and local residents at Castle Methodist Church for a solemn candlelit vigil to remember the victims of the devastating flash flood that struck the Rasuwa district in Nepal on 26 August.
Organised by the Colchester Nepalese Society at the invitation of the church, the vigil commenced at 6 pm. The catastrophic flood has claimed approximately 1,500 lives, leaving a further 6,000 people missing and presumed dead. The disaster swept away homes, farmland, livelihoods, vital bridge connections to the outside world, and the hydroelectric stations powering the region.
A Community United in Remembrance
Opening the evening with a welcome address, the Chair and Trustee of the Colchester Nepalese Society reflected on the speed of the tragedy: “In a matter of hours, it took almost everything in its path. Tonight, we light these candles for every one of those lives, and for every family left to grieve them.”
The programme featured moving musical tributes, including a five-minute performance by the Wimbish Military Wives Choir and a solemn Nepali song by Kritika Sharma.
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Andrew Ellis, delivered a heartfelt speech addressing Nepal’s immense suffering, expressing the city’s strong solidarity and pledging Colchester’s support to help Nepal in any way possible.
Following the speeches, the Mayor, the Chair of the Colchester Nepalese Society, the Garrison Commander, and Reverend Chris Preece of Castle Methodist Church lit the initial candles. The congregation then joined in, illuminating all 108 candles before observing a two-minute silence in memory of the people of Rasuwa.
The service continued with prayers led by Reverend Preece, additional musical pieces by the Wimbish Military Wives Choir, a second song by Kritika Sharma, and a video presentation showcasing Rasuwa before, during, and after the flood. The vigil concluded with the national anthems of Great Britain and Nepal.
Colchester Opens Its Heart
Just two days following the disaster, the Society launched a GoFundMe appeal that successfully raised slightly over £17,500 (approximately 3.45 million Nepalese rupees). Contributions came from a wide array of donors, including members of the public, the Colin Bennett Foundation Trust, Colchester’s Gurkha veterans, the local Nepalese diaspora, Community 360 Seniors Club, the Shiva Temple, Rimjhim Spice of Stanway, and the Rotary Clubs of Colchester.
“This city opened its heart,” the Chair remarked. “Every single one of you who gave, whatever the amount, has made a real difference to families who have lost everything.”
Mr Udek Gurung, a Society member, will personally hand over the funds to the government in Kathmandu during the second week of October. This direct delivery ensures the Society can track how Colchester’s donation assists survivors in rebuilding their lives and report back to donors afterward.
With the GoFundMe page closing at 8 pm on the evening of the vigil, the Chair also drew attention to the broader issue of climate change worsening such disasters, urging everyone to take action against global warming for the sake of vulnerable regions like Rasuwa and future generations.
Behind the Scenes
The seamless execution of the evening was supported by the church team, with Clive managing audio-visual elements and Bob ensuring all logistical needs were met.
Following the vigil, guests gathered for a curry supper organised by Captain Umesh Kumar Pun MVO. During the meal, the Chair expressed gratitude to the Wimbish Military Wives Choir, presenting a traditional Khukuri to its Chairman, Corrine Lampert, as a token of the community’s appreciation.
Though sombre, the evening was deeply moving, demonstrating Colchester’s unwavering solidarity with its neighbours regardless of distance.
