Sarah and Sera Gurung, owners of the Yak Yeti Yak restaurant in Bath, are leading efforts to raise funds for those affected by the devastating floods in Nepal. With family and friends in the afflicted regions, the couple feels a personal connection to the crisis.
The Gurungs have operated their Nepalese restaurant on Pierrepont Street for many years and have a strong history of charitable work in Nepal through their foundation, which has previously built schools in villages impacted by the 2015 earthquake.
The recent floods, which struck Nepal and Tibet last Wednesday, have resulted in at least 1,118 deaths with more than 3,900 people still missing. Fortunately, all pupils and staff at the Yak Yeti Yak Foundation schools are safe, and the Gurungs' family and restaurant staff in Nepal are unharmed.
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In response to the disaster, Sarah and Sera quickly established a disaster fund to support flood victims. They are hopeful that the generosity the people of Bath have shown in the past will continue to aid their efforts.
Donations are being accepted both at the restaurant and online via their fundraising page. Additionally, with the help of volunteers, the Gurungs are organising a special fundraising event: a three-course buffet lunch with a welcome drink on Sunday, 20 September. Tickets are priced at £50 per person, with all proceeds directed to the Yak Yeti Yak Foundation’s “After the Flood” initiative. Reservations can be made through the restaurant’s website.
A statement from the foundation highlights the long-term challenges ahead: “Following the catastrophic flood on 26 August 2026, communities along the Trisuli River will require sustained support well beyond the initial aftermath. While immediate responses often bring a surge of aid, this can also cause confusion and strain on local authorities. Once the initial focus fades, ongoing assistance tends to diminish, yet people may be living in tents or temporary shelters for months or even years.”
The statement also emphasises the particular vulnerabilities facing women and girls, especially concerning menstrual hygiene. The foundation plans to distribute fully washable period packs and conduct hygiene seminars to address this critical issue.
Furthermore, 59 schools have been destroyed or damaged by the floods. While the Nepalese government will undertake rebuilding efforts, the foundation intends to collaborate with teachers to equip schools and provide resilience training.
Highlighting underreported areas, the Gurungs mention Devghat in Chitwan, located 110 kilometres downstream from Trisuli Bazar, which has been severely affected and described as a graveyard for those upstream. The foundation is committed to assisting the most vulnerable communities regardless of their location.
Looking ahead, Sarah and Sera plan to travel to Nepal after Christmas to personally deliver aid and contribute to recovery efforts on the ground.