New Delhi (AsiaNews) - The Bishops' Conference of India expresses "deep concern" over the devastation caused by floods and landslides that have hit many parts of the State of Uttarkhand and which has produced serious casualties. To date, the toll is about more than 150 people dead and tens of thousands of Hindus affected by torrential rains during a pilgrimage. The police have carried over 30 thousand people to safety, but 50 thousand other are still trapped by landslides.
"It is
distressing to know that thousands of pilgrims and villagers are stranded -
says Msgr. Albert D'Souza, Secretary General of CBCI, in an official message - and
heavy damage is done to many shrines and holy places in Kedarnath and its
vicinity. While the Catholic Bishops' Conference
of India condoles the death of many victims, it wishes to express its sympathy
and solidarity with those thousands of stranded pilgrims and the many people
who have lost their houses, shelters and other establishments. "
Through the diocesan Caritas and NGOs, the
Indian Church supports government
agencies to provide aid and
assistance to victims of floods.