The St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia has joined Pope Leo XIV in praying for and expressing deep sorrow for the loss of lives and terrible destruction caused by flash flooding in Nepal and Tibet.
“We hold in our thoughts and prayers all those who have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods. We also pray for the rescuers searching for hundreds of missing people, including Australians,” the society’s national president, Mark Gaetani, said in a statement on Friday.
He said the St Vincent de Paul Society has an active presence in Nepal.
“Our Vincentian members there will again be working within their communities, offering support, compassion and practical assistance to those worst affected. We are in close spirit with them as they respond to this tragedy,” Mr Gaetani said.
“To members of the Nepalese and Tibetan communities here in Australia, we extend our heartfelt support. We recognise the distress of seeing your homelands affected in this way while being far from family and friends. Please know that our society stands with you during this difficult time.”
Meanwhile, Caritas Australia has launched an emergency appeal to support communities devastated by catastrophic flash flooding in northern Nepal.
Caritas is appealing for public support as local partners work with authorities and communities to assess damage and identify the most urgent humanitarian needs.
Priority needs identified by humanitarian responders include emergency shelter, food assistance, household essentials, safe water, sanitation and hygiene support, healthcare and psychosocial assistance.
Caritas Australia Humanitarian Manager Sally Thomas said the scale of the disaster was still emerging, but the humanitarian needs are already significant.
“Families have lost loved ones, homes and livelihoods in a matter of minutes. As floodwaters recede, communities are facing an enormous recovery challenge and will need support to access food, shelter, clean water and other essentials,” Ms Thomas said.
“The Caritas network is already working alongside affected communities and local authorities to assess needs and help ensure assistance reaches those most impacted. We are asking Australians to stand with the people of Nepal during this devastating time.”
Details: www.caritas.org.au/nepal.
FULL STORY
Standing with Nepal and Tibet after deadly floods (St Vincent de Paul Society)
Caritas Australia launches emergency appeal for Nepal flood relief (Caritas Australia)
