Archbishop Moolachira makes an appeal. So far, some 31,000 people have been affected by the floods in 25 districts with 159 reported deaths. Displaced people have found shelter in Catholic parishes, schools and other facilities. The aid has gone especially where government assistance has not yet arrived.
Guwahati (AsiaNews) – The Catholic Church is urging its members to help the victims of floods that have recently hit the State of Assam.
The natural disaster has affected more than 31,000 people in 25 districts, reportedly causing the death of 159 people thus far.
“The situation is terrible,” says Archbishop John Moolachira of Guwahati. “Several presbyteries, schools and boarding houses are under water.”
The heart-wrenching “losses in the diocese are huge. Every congregation and every parish are committed to helping those affected,” he added. The prelate goes on to urge Catholic organisations to take in displaced people.
In the districts of Nagaon and Morigaon, the archdiocese’s social services unit has delivered aid and relief to many families who found refuge in its shelters. So far, 2,253 families have received dry food rations and personal hygiene material.
Help has been provided to everyone irrespective of religion, caste, race or tribe, reaching mainly the villages where government relief has not arrived yet.