Nepal: Catholic Church appeals for global aid in response to devastating floods

The Catholic Church in Nepal has made an urgent appeal for global aid and solidarity in the wake of catastrophic floods that struck the country between September 27 and 28, leaving thousands of families displaced and in dire need.

The disaster is being described as one of the worst in Nepal's recent history, with widespread destruction affecting communities across the nation.

“These were the heaviest rains Nepal has experienced in decades,” said Father Silas Bogati, Apostolic Pro-Vicar of Nepal, in an interview with Fides. “It rained relentlessly for three days, causing rivers and streams to overflow and flood vast areas.”

The floods have left thousands of people homeless, with many facing the grim reality of having lost everything they owned. “In Kathmandu and many other regions, the situation is critical,” Fr. Bogati added, highlighting the widespread devastation.

Fr. Bogati also noted that Catholic families, particularly those living near the rivers, have been severely affected. “They are already living in poverty, and now they have nothing left. But we have begun mobilizing to provide assistance.”

He emphasized the Church’s commitment to help, even as the scale of the disaster becomes clearer.

The Pro-Vicar, based in the village of Godavari, near Kathmandu, is coordinating relief efforts from a Catholic pastoral center that has become a hub for both spiritual and humanitarian support.

The Nepalese government has confirmed that at least 217 people, including 35 children, have lost their lives, while over 130 have been injured and 26 are still missing. Relief operations are being severely hampered by mudslides, debris, and landslides that have blocked key routes in the capital and other affected areas. Hundreds of homes have been destroyed, leaving families without shelter or access to basic services.

Health officials are also warning of a looming public health crisis, with fears of waterborne diseases such as cholera and vector-borne diseases like dengue fever, compounded by damage to 13 major hospitals and disruptions to water supplies. The consequences for the health and nutrition of the affected population could be devastating.

According to UNICEF, the flooding has also impacted education, with damage to 54 schools leaving over 10,000 children without safe learning spaces. “Both in Godavari and in Kathmandu, schools have been closed, roads are impassable, and mud covers everything,” Fr. Bogati explained.

Caritas Nepal has been quick to respond, working with local communities to provide immediate relief, including food, clothing, and temporary shelter for those displaced by the floods. “Volunteers from our parishes have already begun helping clear mud from homes that can still be salvaged,” Fr. Bogati said, noting the tireless efforts of those on the ground.

In his concluding remarks, Fr. Bogati emphasized the urgent need for international assistance. “In this time of immense suffering, we are doing everything we can to help those in need, but we cannot do it alone. We need support from abroad to provide the necessary aid.”

Nepal, a country of nearly 30 million people, is predominantly Hindu, with Christians—including around 8,000 Catholics—comprising just 1% of the population. Despite their small numbers, the Catholic Church is playing a pivotal role in the country’s relief efforts, offering both spiritual and material support to the flood-stricken population.— With inputs from Agenzia Fides