The aftermath of the catastrophic flash flood that hit the Bhote Koshi River in Nepal’s Rasuwa district.
Photo: Xavier Network
Most of us have already seen verified videos and photos showing people and entire villages being swept away by the catastrophic flash floods and mudslides that have left more than 1,000 people dead and thousands missing on the Nepal-Tibet border on August 26.
Our prayers are with the victims and their families. We can also support them during this extremely challenging period.
Our Jesuit partners in Kathmandu have launched various relief efforts to help those affected by the catastrophic flash floods which scientists say were triggered by a massive glacial collapse in the Himalayas.
Fr. Shajumon Chakkalakkal, SJ, Provincial of the Darjeeling-Nepal Province
According to Fr. Shajumon Chakkalakkal, SJ, Provincial of the Darjeeling-Nepal Province, among those who have been deeply affected by the deluge include teachers and students in Jesuit schools in the area. CJI has partnered with several Jesuit institutions in Nepal since the first Canadian Jesuits went there several decades ago.
“We are deeply concerned about two of our Jesuits in Tipling, a remote part of Nepal. They are totally cut off. We cannot reach them. Roads and bridges have been washed out,” said Fr. Shajumon in an email to CJI Executive Director Jenny Cafiso. The Jesuits are safe, but lack food, electricity and internet connectivity, and it is not possible to reach them or for them to leave the area. “Many who had gone to work in the neighbouring district are missing or dead. They tell me all the shops are empty of supplies. If connectivity is not established, many will starve.”
Photo: Fr. Armit Rai, SJ, of the Nepal Jesuit Society (third from left) leads the delivery of relief goods to victims of the flash floods. Photo: Darjeeling-Nepal Province
In a report, Fr. Agustus Ekka, SJ, Director of Fe y Alegria Nepal, said some of his colleagues have been searching for family members who are missing because of the disaster.
“We are concerned for the people in the region affected by the flash floods, including the members of Fe y Alegria who are searching for their loved ones, and for the Jesuits working in this area,” said Cafiso. “The people of Nepal have already suffered from the devastating effects of previous earthquakes and from chronic poverty and instability. I have assured the Jesuit provincial and Fe y Alegria of our support as they respond to this new emergency.”
There are also reports that the road in Tipling, which was built with support from the Xavier Network (of which CJI is a member), has been damaged and remains impassable. The Fe y Alegria schools located in the affected districts of Kavre, Dolakha, Dhading and Sindhupalchowk have not reported any major damage so far, although more detailed assessments are still needed, said Fr. Agustus.
Various news outlets interviewed scientists who said that the flooding was likely caused, in part, by a massive glacier breaking off in the Himalayas and cascading down towards Nepal’s Bhotekoshi River.
