'Entire villages wiped out' – Nepal’s Catholics mobilise aid after deadly floods

AS rescue workers comb through mud and debris left by deadly floods and landslides, Nepal’s Catholic community is mobilising aid for families who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods.

Father Silas Bogati, Apostolic Administrator of the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal, told Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN): “In some places along the Bhote Koshi River, entire villages have been wiped out. Many houses along the river were swept away.” 

Although Nepal’s Catholic community is tiny with only 13 parishes and 10,000 parishioners, Fr Bogati said the Church “has always worked for the Nepali population irrespective of their religion, and we will continue to do so as they suffer in this hour of need”.

The Church has been providing emergency assistance and assessing needs in the affected areas. 

Caritas Nepal has set up community kitchens and dispatched food to provide meals for 300 affected families for 15 days. 

The disaster occurred on Nepal’s Tibet border on 26th August leaving thousands dead or missing.

Initial investigations point to a sudden release of water in a glacial area of Tibet, possibly caused by the outburst of a glacial lake, although the exact causes are still being investigated.

Nepal’s disaster agency said today (Tuesday 1st September) that 987 deaths had been confirmed, with 3,916 people missing, including 583 foreigners.

Father Bogati told ACN Rasuwa, on Nepal’s border with Tibet, was the worst-affected area and said that “an important trade route with Tibet runs through this region, and Syabrubesi is also located there, one of the main departure points for tourists travelling towards the Langtang Valley”.

He added: “All these hotels and settlements were swept away. There has been a high death toll in this area, and the river continued downstream, wreaking havoc across five districts. 

“The flood has caused enormous devastation, as a huge mass of water surged downstream, destroying everything in its path. Some communities are still cut off, and search and rescue operations are proving difficult.”

Fr Bogati said with rain forecast many people were still sleeping outdoors, and tarpaulins, blankets and sleeping mats were also being prioritised.

He added: “Members of one of the Catholic communities go down to Syabrubesi to work. Some of them may have been swept away by the waters. We do not have any figures yet. 

“Regarding buildings, no Catholic churches or chapels have been destroyed…

“By being there, providing relief now and, later, contributing to reconstruction, we give hope. Our presence among those who are suffering will give them hope.”

Fr Bogati said he could feel that Nepal’s small Church is not alone and expressed his gratitude for the solidarity of ACN and its benefactors.

He added: “The Holy Father, Pope Leo, was the first to pray and to show his sympathy and closeness to the victims of these flash floods. In the same way, we are receiving prayers and support from the Catholic Church around the world.” 

With thanks to Maria Lozano