ASIA/NEPAL - Floods and thousands of displaced people. Apostolic Pro-Vicar: "The situation is critical"

Kathmandu (Agenzia Fides) - "It rained for three days, causing flooding in many small rivers and streams. These were the heaviest rains Nepal has experienced in recent decades," said Father Silas Bogati, Apostolic Pro-Vicar of Nepal, to Fides. "Thousands of people have lost their homes and everything they owned, and many do not know where to sleep. The situation in Kathmandu and many other areas of the country is critical," he reports.
The pro-Vicar is in the small village of Godavari, a few kilometers from the capital Kathmandu, where there is a Catholic pastoral center that carries out various activities. "Some Catholic families who live here near the river are also affected by poverty and hardship. They have nothing. But the first initiatives have already been launched to help them," explains Fr. Silas.
The heavy rains that hit Nepal between September 27 and 28 caused widespread flooding, affecting thousands of families. According to initial estimates by government authorities, around 217 people, including 35 children, have died, over 130 have been injured and at least 26 are missing. Hundreds of homes have been damaged. Landslides, mud and debris have blocked major roads in the capital and other districts, hampering relief efforts and access to essential services. In addition, 13 major hospitals have been damaged and water supplies have been disrupted in many areas, with life-threatening and sometimes fatal health and nutritional consequences. There are fears of water-borne epidemics (such as cholera) and vector-borne epidemics (such as dengue fever). "The damage to 54 schools has left more than 10,000 boys and girls without access to safe learning spaces," reports UNICEF.
"Schools are closed and roads impassable, mud is everywhere, here in Godavari as in the capital. Caritas Nepal is currently assessing the situation and will endeavor to respond quickly to help the displaced, who have neither food nor clothing nor a place to stay. Some volunteers from our parishes have already started work and are helping to clear the mud from the houses that are still habitable," continued Father Silas Bogati. "In this situation of suffering and uncertainty, we are trying to do our part by bringing aid and showing solidarity to all those in need. But we will need help from abroad," he concludes.
Nepal is a country of about 30 million inhabitants and a Hindu majority (80 percent), while Christians of various denominations make up about 1 percent, including about 8,000 Catholics. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 1/10/2024)

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