On the 26th August, a terrifying wall of water and mud swept down the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers in northern Nepal. The most likely cause: a huge section of glacier collapsing from the side of the mountain, Langtang Lirung, and falling into the valley below. The force of the impact was so great it registered 5.2 on the Richter Scale. The consequences downstream were catastrophic. Images and footage of the disaster unfolding were inconceivable, such was the magnititude of the force unleashed and the scale of the destruction. The people living and working in its path lost everything: their homes and livelihoods, and most tragically, their loved ones.

Speaking to our friends in Nepal, they describe a country in trauma. People are trying to come to terms with what has happened. We report with great relief that none of the schools we work with and support have been directly affected: HVP Balkumari and HVP Thali in Kathmandu, and HVP Dang and the Children's Peace Home in the west of the country. Nepal, however, is a small country and everyone knows somone - a friend or relative - who has been impacted in some way. Tragically, a graduate of the HVP Balkumari from 20 years ago, Satya Sundar, was killed while working as an engineer in one of the hydro-electric power stations on the Trishuli River. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.

HVP Nepal-UK stands, as it has always done, with the people of Nepal. In conversations with our friends from the Nepalese community living in the UK, we have heard their urgent and powerful wish to support their country in its time of need. We share that same motivation.

To which end, we have set up this appeal to raise money and to channel funds that will go towards the ongoing relief effort in Nepal. The money will be sent to the fund created by the new Nepalese Prime Minister, Balendra Shah, to draw together fundraising from both within Nepal and from around the world. The Prime Minister's Fund is widely considered bona fide and the most direct means of getting help and financial assistance to those in Nepal who need it most.

In normal circumstances, we ask our wonderful network of friends to give towards the schools in Nepal we have been supporting for 30 years. But these are not normal circumstances, and in a moment such as this, we consider it our compelling duty to support Nepal as a country in a time of crisis and sorrow.

Friends, we ask you to give what you can. We are most grateful and feel humbled to have your support.

Our warmest Namaste,

HVP Nepal-UK