New Jersey Hindu temple supports Nepal flood relief as rescue efforts continue
ROBBINSVILLE, N.J. (WPVI) -- As rescue efforts continue following the deadly flash flooding in Nepal, a New Jersey woman is among those reported missing, while relief organizations work to assist survivors.
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham in Robbinsville, the largest Hindu temple in the United States, is among the organizations helping support relief efforts.
The temple, which volunteers say has welcomed more than 4 million visitors over the past three years, is known as a place where many come to find peace.
READ MORE | Death toll tops 1,000 after Nepal flooding, as search continues for thousands
"The fundamental idea is to be a good person," said volunteer Yogesh Patel.
That message has taken on added significance as members of the temple and the larger BAPS temple community respond to flash floods in Nepal that have killed more than 1,000 people.
Patel said the scale and speed of the disaster were difficult to comprehend.
"It just seemed like this is not possible how can a wall of water that big literally go down a hill into valley and flood areas in seconds?" Patel said.
The Robbinsville temple is one of several BAPS temples sending aid to Nepal through a group in India. Patel said BAPS volunteers in Nepal began relief efforts immediately after the disaster.
"We actually have a center in Nepal, so our volunteers with BAPS from day 1 were active in trying to get grains, rice, lentils, food, cooking utensils and getting it to the worst affected areas as soon as possible," Patel said.
In addition to providing supplies, the temple's spiritual leader has offered prayers for those who died and for the thousands of people who remain unaccounted for. Those reported missing include Mukti Belahal of Princeton Junction.
"For those loved ones to not know where their loved ones are, it really is crushing," Patel said.
As search-and-rescue operations continue, volunteers say efforts to deliver food, supplies and other necessities to affected communities remain ongoing.
"Our hearts immediately go out to those who are suffering in this," Patel said.
Temple leaders said they hope the spirit of service promoted at BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham encourages others to offer positive thoughts and prayers for those affected by the disaster in Nepal.
