‘We can’t get to the exact location’: Uckfield man takes part in memorial ritual as family members still missing in Nepal

Pramod Poudel, 34, runs the Crowborough-based Momo Nepalese Kitchen, which has a popular food truck.

He said he flew out to Nepal on Thursday, August 27, after hearing about the devastating floods in the country on Wednesday, August 26.

According to UNICEF Australia, hundreds of people have died and at least 84,270 people have been affected by the flash floods, which hit the Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Tanahun districts along the Nepal-Tibet border.

Pramod, also known as Pedro, revealed on social media shortly afterwards that his wife, mother, uncle and brother were missing and cancelled bookings for 14 days so he could help with the search.

He told this newspaper on Wednesday, September 9: “They are still missing. We are trying to go to where the incident happened but because of the road we can’t get to the exact location.”

Pramod said there is no road or bridges to the area that he needs to get to, which is now completely cut off following the disaster. He said he has talked to the British Embassy to see if they can arrange a flight for him to go there, but this has not been possible.

Pramod, who is currently in Kathmandu, said he will continue to look for his family members but he said he has also taken part in a memorial ritual. He said: “If you can’t find someone’s body for eight days then you do a kind of memorial ceremony for them. So I’ve been doing that and spending my time thinking about them and giving some of my time to them.”

Pramod explained that people during this mourning period stay on their own, cannot eat food made by other people and take a sacred bath every day.

He said: “Now that kind of thing is over I’ve still going to try and go at least to where the incident happened. There’s still my childhood friend, and my school was there, some of my close family members are there. I want to go there and at least talk to the people who have suffered from the incident.”

Pramod also said he wants to see the area where his house stood.

He said he is not sure he can come back to England anytime soon because his father is still living in Nepal and needs his support.

After Pramod made the announcement on the Momo Nepalese Kitchen Instagram page, there was an outpouring of sympathy and support from customers and friends sending their thoughts and prayers.

Helen Graves, manager at Lakedown Taproom in Burwash, has started a GoFundMe page for Pramod at www.gofundme.com/f/support-pedro-pramod-after-devastating-nepal-floods. This has already raised more than £8,500.

The message on the campaign page said: “Pedro is a vital part of our local community. Now it is our turn to step up for him. We are raising funds to help cover Pedro’s: emergency travel and search logistics in Nepal, ongoing family support costs during the rescue efforts, immediate living and business overhead expenses while the truck is off the road.”

Helen’s message said that every donation will go towards relieving the financial pressure on him.

Pramod thanked Helen for the fundraiser and has thanked everyone who has commented and offered support during this ‘very hard and difficult time’ for him and his father.

He said: “Even though I’m here and my business is not running I still have rent to pay, a mortgage to pay and staff to pay. So if anyone can help with that kind of thing that will be really appreciated. And if I can help my community when I’m back there in any way or form I’ll do that.”