Fundraising efforts are under way across Ireland's Nepalese community to support victims of the devastating floods that struck the Nepal-China border region earlier this week.
Ireland's Nepalese community numbers more than 3,000 people, some of whom are anxiously awaiting news from relatives and friends affected by the disaster.
Speaking to RTÉ's News at One, General Secretary of the Non-Resident Nepalese Association Ireland, Pravin Baral who is based in Dublin, said the tragedy has already had a direct impact on members of the community living here.
"A member of ours has a restaurant in Dublin here and his employee there, we know that his father has lost his life in this flash flood but apart from that, about his family members, we don't know yet."
"So we're just trying to establish some connection there."
Mr Baral said many of those affected remain difficult to contact as floodwaters and damage to infrastructure and communication networks have left some areas isolated.
Having lived in Ireland for the past 13 years, he said the Irish-Nepalese community acted quickly when news of the flooding emerged.
"So the day the flash flood happened, we talked with the members and we decided to establish a fundraiser, donations through online."
"And we are trying that through Facebook, posting to anybody if they can help any amount, you know, that might help anybody's life or save lives."
The online appeal has attracted support from people across the country, raising around €2,000 so far.
"€2,000 is not too much, but still it is something to help," Mr Baral added.
For many Nepalese people living in Ireland, watching events unfold from afar has been particularly difficult.
Mr Baral said there is a strong sense of helplessness among those unable to be with loved ones at such a challenging time.
"Physically or even financially, we don't really have that much to support in these difficult times but home is home always.
"You kind of feel, 'should I have been there?' But life has brought us here and Ireland - being a second home - I think we try as much as possible from here, just financially, if we can do something."
He said the community hopes that funds raised in Ireland will provide some practical assistance to those affected as recovery efforts continue in the region.
