Devastation from flash floods in Nepal being felt in NYC

The devastation from the flash floods that hit Nepal Wednesday is being felt in New York City.

Rescue teams continue to search for hundreds of people missing along the Nepal-China border. The death toll rose to 390 Thursday.

Some families in Queens are desperate for answers. 

Dawa Cerpa, who owns A Taste of Nepal restaurant on 37th Road in Jackson Heights, says his uncle has been missing since the deadly torrent of water and mud several stories high swept through.

Cerpa said he's tried to reach loved ones by phone.  

"It's very tough in this time," he said. "Many friends and one of my uncles, two days ago, they are not returning [calls]." 

On the same street, the owner of Nepali Momo Cafe says he knows a Queens resident who is also trying to find out if their relatives are alive. 

"Very sad," Hari Gharti Pun said. 

Travel agent Masjidul Robin says more than a dozen customers were traveling in Nepal and are alive, but they are now stranded. He said one man managed to fly through Qatar to return. 

"Right now, I'm helping them however I can," Robin said. 

Ang Pasang Sherpa, manager of the United Sherpa Association, said community members have been coming by to pray for their loved ones. 

"I just met a lady in the morning, she came here. And she have the only brother ... the brother is also missing," he said. "They need a lot of help in this situation."

New Yorkers gathered Thursday night at the United Sherpa Association Community Center for a candlelight vigil.

"Let us show the people of Nepal that even from thousands of miles away, they are not forgotten and they are not alone," said Michael Ashkenazey, Rotary Club of New York Queens secretary.

As families far from home navigate the uncertainty, community members now connected through natural disaster tragedies are drawing on each other for support.  

"It's really heartbreaking because we are not able to sleep," Lakpa Tamang said.

Tamang said her sister-in-law is missing, along with her sister-in-law's mother and brother.

"We are not able to get in contact," she said.

"A few years before, we have a bad earthquake happen. That time it's my village swept," Pema Lama said. "When I heard [Tamang's] story, I feel like it happened to me."  

"I know I've lost relatives," Yeshe Sherpa said. "This is devastating for everyone ... This is the hardest time possible. They have no answers."