Essex man backs future of orphan boy who survived Nepal flood

National and international media have reported that more than 1,300 people have died and thousands remain missing after flash floods and debris flows tore through communities in northern Nepal following the collapse of a Himalayan glacier.

Entire villages were swept away, roads and bridges destroyed, and thousands of families displaced as rescue teams continue searching for survivors.

For Kiran Pandey, a Colchester resident originally from Nepal, the tragedy is very close to home.

The 33-year-old launched a fundraiser after learning that his close friend and cultural ‘brother’, Suneel Chhetri, had died in the floods. Suneel's wife and mother remain missing and are feared dead.

Family - Suneel Chhetri (left) has been found dead after the Nepal floods, while his wife (right) and her mother (centre) have not been found more than a week later (Image: Kiran Pandey)

Yet amid the devastation, there was one piece of hopeful news - Suneel's three-year-old son, Suyan, survived.

Speaking from Colchester, Kiran described the heartbreak of losing someone he had known for years.

"He was very nice, not only to me, but to all of the people around him," he said. "The whole village is just washed away. With that, he also gone."

Kiran said he initially feared Suyan had also been killed but later discovered the child was alive and staying with his mother's family. The fundraiser will help support the youngster's future, particularly his education and wellbeing.

"I cannot bring his father back. I cannot bring his mother back. But this is what I'm doing," he said.

Survivor - Suyan, three, has survived the floods and is now an orphan (Image: Kiran Pandey)

However, Kiran's efforts extend beyond a single family. He plans to donate around half of the money raised to volunteers working on the ground in Nepal, with a particular focus on helping children who have lost parents in the disaster.

"There are thousands of children like my nephew who are very uncertain," he said. "Even a small difference is a relief."

Kiran is also involved in wider fundraising and community work in Colchester. He is an area representative for the Nepalese Society and said local members are helping raise money for relief efforts across Nepal.

He has also helped launch a group bringing together Nepalese people from Colchester, London, Birmingham and Scotland to support charitable causes.

The group currently has around 65 members and hopes to grow into a wider network dedicated to community projects and helping those in need.

"The biggest thing in this world is humanity that can heal people," he said.

"You are born with nothing and you die with nothing. So if you want to heal, use your humanity and contribute to others."

He added: "Life is so beautiful. Let's live together and make a beautiful world."