Fr. Łukasz Bankowski – Vatican City
Cut off from aid
A flash flood that struck northern Nepal on August 26 destroyed homes, shops, roads, bridges, and energy infrastructure. The situation is particularly difficult in the Rasuwa district, near the border with China. The death toll has exceeded 500, and hundreds of people are still considered missing.
The mountainous terrain and massive destruction make it impossible to reach many towns by land.
“Bridges and main roads have collapsed, which is why we cannot reach the affected areas,” Sr. Cecilia Durga Shrestha told Vatican News. Caritas Nepal is looking for alternative ways to reach those in need. Among other things, a way was found to provide assistance to over 430 people who took shelter in one of the schools.
Caritas Poland launches support
Caritas Poland has joined the relief efforts. Assistance will be channeled through Caritas Nepal, with which the Polish organization has been cooperating for over a decade.
“We will allocate the raised funds to the most urgent needs – food, clean water, medical supplies, and hygiene products. In such dramatic moments, the victims most need the feeling that they are not alone. The Caritas community is with them,” emphasizes Caritas Poland Director Fr. Janusz Majda.
On site, Caritas has launched a kitchen to provide food for 300 families over the next 15 days. Transports with food and other basic necessities are also being prepared. The assistance also includes clothing, blankets, tents, medicines, and medical care, especially for pregnant women and mothers with small children.
“They are not alone”
Caritas Poland and Caritas Nepal previously cooperated in helping the victims of the 2015 earthquake. This time too, after the initial rescue phase, long-term support will be necessary, including house reconstruction as well as medical and psychological assistance.
Sr. Shrestha emphasizes that solidarity from other countries is also of immense importance. “Caritas Nepal is always grateful to the Catholic community and all organizations that help us and support us in difficult times,” she says.
“Our only fear is that we might not be able to reach everyone, but thanks to prayer and everyone’s help, we are ready,” adds the director of Caritas Nepal.
Information on how to join the aid for the victims in Nepal can be found on the Caritas Poland website: https://caritas.pl/
