What UAE-based Nepali expats are saying as floods hit their homeland

Dubai: For Nepali expatriates living in the UAE, the first instinct after seeing images of floods and landslides tearing through their homeland was to reach for the phone and call home.

For some, the call has brought relief, while for others, every unanswered call or delayed message brought fresh anxiety.

As Nepal grapples with devastating floods and landslides that have caused deaths, injuries, missing persons, and extensive damage, Nepali expats living and working in the UAE have been following developments through news reports, social media, phone calls, and community networks. 

The crisis has also brought an outpouring of gratitude towards the UAE after the country allocated $10 million through the UAE Aid Agency for urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected. The support has come under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Nabin Poudel, a bank officer who has lived in the UAE for 18 years, has noted that the emotional impact of watching the disaster from afar was difficult to put into words.

“It is extremely painful to see my country going through this while I am far away. Your mind is constantly back home, wondering if your family is safe,” Poudel told Gulf News.

He has found out about the floods through the news and immediately called his family. Thankfully, they have been safe. But the relief has not ended the worry.

“I keep calling and checking on them whenever I can. Being thousands of kilometres away and unable to be there physically is an emotional experience.”

For Poudel, the UAE’s support for Nepal has provided an additional source of comfort at a time of distress.

“I am truly grateful to the UAE government and its people for standing beside Nepal in this difficult time. When your country is suffering and you are far from home, this kind of support gives you strength and hope.”

Similarly, for Binod Basnet, a receptionist who has spent 14 years in the UAE, news of the floods have immediately turned into concern for his family.

He has first learned about the situation through news and social media before contacting his relatives. 

“My family is safe. I regularly call and video call them to make sure they are okay. Being far away, even a small delay in getting a call can be very stressful,” shared Basnet.

He has bared that the UAE’s support had sent a message of solidarity to Nepalis living in the country.

“I sincerely thank the UAE government and its people. Their support gives us hope and reminds us that humanity has no borders.”