A County Down man is seeking donations for communities in Nepal affected by recent flash floods, with funds going to a congregation his ministry has supported for years. Colin Tinsley, from near Dromara, leads Hope for Youth Ministries, which supports youth work locally and ministries abroad. He has raised £2,500 to date through a GoFundMe page, with all proceeds going directly to the affected area.

At least 1,924 people are reported missing in Nepal following flash floods on Wednesday. A collapsed glacier caused the huge flood wave, according to local officials. The surge tore through houses and roads, and destroyed a key Nepal-Tibet border crossing.

Tinsley has for years supported a pastor in the Lalitpur district, about 180 km from Kathmandu. The pastor told him that 19 churches and around 300 homes belonging to his congregation were destroyed. Two towns were completely flattened, though the pastor was safe.

Most affected places are Rashua and Neukot districts. The pastor was warning people downstream when the flood hit, but they had no time to react.

Priorities for the funds are medical supplies, rice, tents, school bags and exercise books. People have nowhere to sleep and food is a priority. Water is full of mud and could make people sick, especially children who may have drunk dirty water.

Tinsley visited the pastor in 2014 and has since sent funds to support churches in the Kathmandu area. He normally helps with aid, Bibles and food. He described how the river destroys everything in its path and most people live beside it to grow vegetables and wash clothes.

Donations can be made at the GoFundMe page 'Nepal Needs Our Help'.