The death toll from catastrophic flash flooding in Nepal has surpassed 1,000, with an additional 4,000 people reported missing. In response, a nonprofit organization based in San Diego, called Sweeping Change, is mobilizing a medical team to provide assistance in the region.
Sweeping Change specializes in providing medical care and education in remote communities. One of its founders, Hem Rai, who is originally from Nepal, has joined forces with co-founder Michael Sohmer, a retired clinical pharmacist and federal disaster response team member, in a mission to help those affected by the disaster.
The flooding was triggered by a glacier collapse along the Nepal-China border on Aug. 26, which unleashed a devastating wall of water, mud, and ice through river valleys, obliterating entire towns. Sohmer described the situation as a "real tragedy," while Rai expressed his heartbreak over the losses, including personal connections to victims.
"My niece's relative had their family house completely wiped out from one of the rivers," Rai said.
Rai and Sohmer previously came together in 2015 following a major earthquake in Nepal that killed nearly 9,000 people. Back then, they provided medical aid, and now they are planning to return to Nepal this October with the same commitment through Sweeping Change.
"It's past the emergency situation… our hope is we can go there and set up a medical clinic," Sohmer said.
To support their upcoming mission, they are raising funds via a GoFundMe page, ensuring all contributions will directly fund humanitarian efforts such as food, shelter, and clean water. Sohmer emphasized, "All the money collected…will go directly to the Nepali people."
The team is also seeking certified volunteers with disaster experience to join their medical mission. People interested can email [email protected].
Both founders are motivated by a desire to give the survivors of the disaster hope in this critical time.
"What we can do — help the people who survived," Rai said.
Additionally, Rai, who owns five Earths Elements stores, is donating 20% of this month's proceeds to the cause.