By Minaz Kerawala, Communications and Public Relations Advisor
The frightful footage and tearful testimonies coming from people affected by the Nepal floods make it abundantly clear that the Nepali people have suffered a great tragedy and need our support urgently. This is corroborated by reports from Caritas Nepal, a trusted partner with whom Development and Peace ― Caritas Canada had collaborated extensively in the wake of the 2015 earthquake in country.
That is why we are calling on Canadians to give generously to support Caritas Nepal’s emergency relief and rescue efforts, which are already underway.
Nepal floods: a diluvian disaster
On the morning of August 26, catastrophic flash flooding inundated the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli river system of Nepal, near its border with the Tibet Autonomous Region. Experts surmise that the event was triggered by the breaching of an upstream blockage that falling ice, rock and soil had created a day earlier.
The disaster having occurred in peak tourism and pilgrimage season, the human toll has been heavy. By mid-day today, news media were reporting 584 deaths and over 2,000 people missing. These numbers are expected to increase substantially in the coming days.
Communication links have been severed, and all roads have been washed away, leaving helicopters as the only viable means of transport. In the worst-hit districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha et Chitwan, hundreds of homes have been destroyed, and many thousands of people, including at least 17,000 children, have been affected. There is a further risk of additional flooding from another barrier lake that is forming upstream from the already inundated zone.
The people of Nepal certainly need all the “divine assistance and protection” that Pope Leo XIV has invoked on them in the telegram that was sent to them on his behalf.
Nepal floods: you can help right now
Caritas Nepal has already deployed teams to the affected areas. Its executive director, Sr. Sr. Cecilia Durga Shrestha sent this video message a day after the disaster struck:
As she explains, Caritas Nepal is coordinating closely with the authorities, helping with rescue efforts and providing food and emergency supplies to displaced families. Given the severity of the damage, the vastness and remoteness of the regions affected, and the great numbers of people rendered homeless, they need your help urgently. Please give generously to help the people of Nepal by clicking the button below or calling 1-888-234-8533 toll-free.