THE Border’s Bhutanese community is rallying to support those affected by the earthquake in Nepal, a country where many of them have spent years as refugees.

President of the Bhutanese Association in Albury, Teju Chouhan, said the community was devastated by news of the quake and the widespread destruction caused.

The association has launched a local appeal, with all money going to official relief efforts by organisations such as the Red Cross.

Many Bhutanese who live in Albury-Wodonga spent 18 to 25 years living in refugee camps in Nepal before finding their way to Australia, meaning their connections to the country remain strong.

Some youth, for example, were actually born and raised in the camps themselves as opposed to their native Bhutan.

Some still have family and friends living in camps.

Mr Chouhan said so far no one locally had heard of their loved ones perishing in the quake, but it was early days.

“At this stage there is no network at all, so it is hard to figure out how people are affected,” he said.

“But we are getting some messages through... we know of family whose home has been completely destroyed, but the family is safe.”

Mr Chouhan said Border Bhutanese were quick to volunteer their time and money to start a fund- raiser, given their ties to the country.

“As the story is unfolding and we see more pictures, people are feeling very emotional,” he said.

“They are shocked and they feel they have a responsibility to support them in any way they can.

“They feel given the scale of the devastation and loss of life, there’s an urgency in digging deep and coming together for the relief effort.”

The association is seeking monetary donations at the moment but Mr Chouhan said a second appeal seeking blankets, clothes and other goods may soon also be held.

Anyone wanting to donate can visit the Bhutanese Association in Albury Facebook page, or contact Mr Chouhan on 0401 311 193.