A flash flood in northern Nepal has left a trail of death and destruction. csi
On August 26 a torrent of water, mixed with rocks and debris, thundered at high speed through the districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading in northern Nepal. Nothing could withstand the force of the flash flood. Bridges, roads and buildings were all swept away. In excess of 900 people have lost their lives. Countless others have lost their homes and livelihoods.
School, market, church washed away
In the village of Battar on the Trishuli River, the village school is gone. The markets have been washed away. In nearby Betrawati, the Punaruthan church has collapsed. Members of the Trishuli church are missing, and the homes of 80 members of its congregation have been destroyed.
As of August 30, the local Christian network knew of at least 20 churches that have been completely destroyed, more than 80 Christians who are missing, and more than 30 congregation members who have died.
“We urgently need food and support for reconstruction. Please pray for us!,” pleads Pastor Iswor Pudasaini, the leader of the Battar church.
A video shared by a pastor in the affected region. csi
State of roads hampers aid delivery
Christian Solidarity International (CSI) has been active in Nepal for years. To distribute emergency aid, we rely on our long-standing local partner and its network of local church volunteers.
CSI’s relief efforts will initially focus on areas with significant Christian communities, including Bidur and Trishuli. However, assistance will not be limited to Christians: all will receive support, regardless of their faith.
Given the state of the roads following the flash flood, many communities are hard to access. Following an assessment of the situation on August 30, the team set out in a convoy of trucks to deliver the first batch of relief items on August 31.
“My team and I are working almost around the clock. We are organizing relief items, assessing the situation, coordinating with officials and pastors from the affected areas, and traveling to the places where people urgently need help,” comments CSI’s project partner.
Food and emergency supplies
As a first step, CSI is providing several hundred families with basic necessities. These include food items such as rice, legumes, oil, salt, and sugar, as well as tarps for emergency shelters, blankets, mattresses, mosquito nets, flashlights, water purification supplies, soap, and kitchen utensils.
CSI’s project manager for Nepal says that in addition to emergency aid, many families will need support in rebuilding their homes in the coming weeks and months. Please help us support those who have been severely affected by the floods.
Please donate now to help the people of Nepal. Thank you.
Scan the QR code to donate for Nepal
