London | 7 September 2026 | GATPM
As affected communities begin the difficult road to recovery, the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities encourages continued compassion, solidarity, and support for those impacted by the floods in Nepal and Tibet.
A powerful message of compassion, solidarity and community was carried through south-east London on Saturday 5 September, as more than 300 people from Nepalese, Tibetan, South Asian and other communities joined a charity solidarity walk supporting those affected by devastating floods and landslides in Nepal and Tibet.
Organised by Help Nepal Network (UK) under the banner “Many Communities, One Heart,” the approximately five-mile walk began at Danson Park, Welling, and ended at Blackheath Common, crossing the London Boroughs of Bexley, Greenwich and Lewisham. Taking around two hours to complete, the walk became an expression of grief, friendship, solidarity and hope.
Families, friends, community groups, civic representatives and well-wishers gathered at the main gates of Danson Park before setting off. Participants carried Nepalese, British and Buddhist flags, while torches and mobile-phone lights illuminated the route towards Blackheath.
The walk followed a candlelight vigil held earlier in the week, when the community had gathered to honour those who had lost their lives, stand with grieving families and those still awaiting news of loved ones, and support ongoing rescue efforts.
Councillor Lisa-Jane Moore, Mayor of Bexley, attended the gathering point at Danson Park and delivered a moving message of support. Reflecting on the earlier vigil, Councillor Moore said: “Earlier this week, many of us gathered for a candlelight vigil, where the community came together to honour those who lost their lives in the devastating floods and landslides in Nepal, and to stand with all who are grieving, waiting for news, or working tirelessly in rescue efforts.”
The Bexley Mayor added, “This walk is a reminder that compassion travels across borders, and that the Nepalese community is deeply valued here in Bexley. Your strength, your togetherness, and your commitment to one another inspire us all.”
Rally at Blackheath Common
As the walkers arrived at Blackheath Common, the gathering continued with a rally featuring community leaders, elected representatives and supporters.
The Nepalese and British national anthems were sung at the start of the rally before speakers addressed the gathering. A short Hindu and Buddhist prayer was recited in memory of those who lost their lives and in solidarity with families still awaiting news of loved ones.
Sachin Shrestha, Chair of Help Nepal Network (UK), spoke at both the opening and closing of the gathering. He thanked the more than 300 participants, supporting organisations, political parties and elected representatives, including councillors and Members of Parliament, whose support helped make the event possible.
Speakers urged those present to continue supporting relief efforts and to donate generously to assist communities affected by the disaster.
Solidarity Across Communities
The event brought together elected representatives from across south-east London, including Councillor David Gardner, Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Louie French MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, and councillors from Bexley and Greenwich, including Jit Ranabhat, Gaumaya Gurung Ranabhat, David Leaf and Barry Saunders. A staff member representing Daniel Francis MP’s office also joined the walk in a show of solidarity with the affected communities.
Louie French MP highlighted the immense contribution of the Nepalese community to the United Kingdom and acknowledged the UK Government’s £5 million contribution to Nepal’s relief efforts, while calling for further support.
Royal Greenwich Mayor Cllr. David Gardner specifically recognised Tibet and Tibetan communities among those affected by the disaster. Extending his warm support and solidarity with the affected communities, Cllr. Gardner also noted the significant presence of both Nepalese and Tibetan communities in Greenwich.
The Leader of Bexley Council, Councillor David Leaf, expressed his support and said the council would provide every possible assistance to residents affected by the disaster, encouraging anyone with concerns to come forward for help.
For attendees such as Tsering Passang, former Chair of the Tibetan Community in Britain and founder-chair of the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities, this solidarity event was particularly significant. The disaster has affected people across boundaries, including Nepali citizens, Tibetans, Chinese nationals, international visitors and pilgrims.
Following the rally, Passang spoke with the Leader of Bexley Council, who confirmed that Tibetan residents affected by the disaster and living within the borough would be welcome to contact the council for assistance. Passang also raised with other councillors, including the Mayor of Royal Greenwich, the possibility of formal council resolutions expressing solidarity. The proposal received a positive response.
Across the remarks of elected representatives was a shared commitment to doing more for affected communities, both in the UK and abroad.
Remembering the Scale of the Tragedy
The natural calamity began on 26 August, when a collapse of ice, rock and mud unleashed a catastrophic surge through the Himalayan border region of Kyirong (Tibet) and Rasuwa (Nepal).
By the time of the walk, confirmed deaths across Nepal and Tibet had exceeded 1,300, with more than 5,000 people still unaccounted for. On the Tibet side, authorities had officially reported 43 deaths and 531 people missing, although families and foreign governments continued seeking clearer information about those still unaccounted for.
Nepal’s government and disaster-management agencies have provided regular public updates and details of those missing and rescued, while the Nepali Army, police and civilian rescue teams have worked alongside international specialists from countries including India, South Korea, China and the United States.
At the same time, families with loved ones in Tibet deserve the same clarity and dignity. Timely and verifiable information on fatalities and missing people, together with greater independent media access, would help families establish the fate of relatives, counter misinformation and strengthen public trust.
This is ultimately a humanitarian appeal rather than a political demand: families deserve answers, victims deserve to be counted, and the public deserves to know the full truth.
More Than a Walk
Help Nepal Network (UK) summed up the purpose of the event: “This is about much more than a walk. It is about demonstrating what can be achieved when communities unite. It is about standing alongside the people of Nepal at a time when they most need to know they are not alone.”
That spirit was evident throughout the evening. Nepalese, Tibetan, South Asian and other communities walked alongside local residents, civic leaders, elected representatives, friends and supporters. Different flags and identities were visible, but the shared purpose was unmistakable.
The walk became a journey of remembrance, solidarity and hope – demonstrating that communities separated by geography can stand together when disaster strikes.
As the walkers arrived at Blackheath Common, one message remained at the heart of the evening: One walk. Many nations. One heart.
As affected communities begin the difficult road to recovery, the Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities encourages continued compassion, solidarity, and support for those impacted by the floods in Nepal and Tibet.
For those facing loss and uncertainty in Nepal and Tibet, and for families still waiting for answers, the message of solidarity remains clear: You are not alone.
Donate to Help Nepal Network: HeNN UK is fundraising for Help Nepal Network
Donate to the Government of Nepal Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund
Global Alliance for Tibet & Persecuted Minorities (GATPM) 