Kathmandu (AsiaNews) – The Catholic Church in Nepal is taking action to respond to the emergency caused by the landslides on the border with Tibet, which have resulted in deaths and people missing, with the death toll becoming more tragic by the hour, whilst Pope Leo expresses “condolences and prayers” in a telegram sent today.
Speaking to AsiaNews, Fr Silas Krishna Bogati, Apostolic Administrator of the Vicariate of Nepal, emphasised that “rescue operations and emergency aid are the top priority following the deadly floods that have struck the border between Nepal and Tibet”.
“Yesterday,” the priest continued, “we suffered the worst flooding ever recorded, which spread downstream. The Bhotekoshi River, which flows down from Tibet in China, has caused severe damage along its course, whilst the Nepalese side has already been hit by massive flooding. According to initial estimates, 1,300 people – he confirms – are missing”.
Pope Leo XIV also commented on the tragedy that has struck Tibet and Nepal, sending a telegram of condolence today, signed by the Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin. In the message, the Pope says he is “saddened to learn of the loss of human life” and of the “devastation” caused by the floods.
“Entrusting the souls of the deceased to the mercy of the Almighty,” continues Pope Prevost’s telegram, he reaffirms his “spiritual closeness” to all those “affected by this tragedy”. Finally, the pontiff offers prayers “for the emergency services” involved in the ongoing rescue operations, invoking “divine assistance and protection”.
Returning to the damage assessment, the floods are also reported to have significantly affected the two rivers, the Bhote Koshi and the Trishuli, causing severe damage, whilst the updated – though still provisional – death toll stands at over 330 victims and thousands missing.
Entire villages have been swept away by what witnesses have described as a veritable tsunami of mud and debris that has engulfed everything in its path, whilst experts warn of the danger of a second flood that could hit the area in the coming hours.
Among those missing are several foreigners who were trekking and pilgrims who were making their way to Mansarovar, a traditional Hindu pilgrimage site. The entire area is also a popular destination for hikers, mountaineers and those simply keen on travel and the mountains.
The Council of Ministers of the Kathmandu government has declared all affected areas to be in a state of “natural disaster” for the next three months.
It has been decided to provide free medical care to the injured, whilst rescue operations are under way to transfer those stranded to safer locations. “This is the second time,” Fr Bogati tells AsiaNews, “that a disaster of this kind has occurred in that area, but this time it is on an enormous scale.”
“Around 25 Catholic families live in that area,” he adds. “Let us pray for their safety. I am awaiting further news on their situation.
Teams from Catholic Relief Services and the local Caritas are already in the flood-stricken area to assist with emergency operations, alongside other international humanitarian organisations.
According to the Apostolic Vicar of Nepal, the “full picture” of a disaster comparable to total devastation “will only become clear in a few days’ time”, whilst the country has begun assessing the damage, which, in many cases, appears to be “irreparable”. At the same time, Fr Bogati concludes, the country “urgently needs prayers and support”.
The US Geological Survey has put forward an initial hypothesis regarding the causes of the flash flood, attributing it to the collapse of a glacier or an ice avalanche that may have plunged into the Lhende River, temporarily blocking its flow. Water may then have accumulated behind this natural barrier before it gave way, causing a powerful surge downstream in the Bhotekoshi River.
Although this explanation is preliminary, scientists are investigating whether the overflow of a glacial lake may have contributed to the flood. An earthquake recorded in Tibet at roughly the same time has also been reported, but its role has yet to be ascertained.
Sister Veena Dias, a retired teacher and member of the Congregation of Jesus, told AsiaNews that the tragedy which struck the border between Nepal and Tibet following the devastating flash floods and a landslide is of “enormous proportions”. “Many people,” the nun added, “have been affected by the flash floods.” Rescue teams are racing against time to find survivors: according to official figures, more than 1,300 people are missing following the flash floods and landslides along the Nepal-Tibet border, but the actual number is likely to be far higher.
