Jesuit Mission Australia has launched an urgent appeal to support communities devastated by flash flooding in Nepal, where more than 1200 people have died, and thousands remain unaccounted for.
Local Jesuit partners Fe y Alegria Nepal and the Nepal Jesuit Social Institute are working closely with local authorities to assist communities.
Australians can donate to Jesuit Mission’s Emergency Action Fund to support urgent relief and the longer-term recovery.
Fr Shajumon Chakkalakkal SJ, Provincial of the Darjeeling-Nepal Province, said teachers and students in Jesuit schools in the area are among those affected by the floodwaters, described in some media reports as “liquid cement”.
“Thousands lack food, electricity and internet connectivity. Many who had gone to work in a neighbouring district are missing or dead. All the shops are empty of supplies. If connectivity is not established, many will starve,” Fr Shajumon said.
In a report, Fr Agustus Ekka SJ, Director of Fe y Alegria Nepal, said some of his colleagues have been searching for family members who are missing.
Apart from the human toll and the number of villages wiped out, livelihoods have been lost. In addition, hundreds of children have lost their schools to the disaster.
After the 2015 earthquake, the Australian community helped Nepali children get back into their classrooms – rebuilding not just schools, but the roads and bridges that connect them. Once again, it is expected that education will be central to the coordinated response by Jesuit Mission’s Jesuit partners.
Local schools run by Fe y Alegria Nepal have not been spared. While the buildings stand, several staff members are still waiting for news of missing family members and loved ones.
“In Nepal’s time of sorrow, we know that the generosity of Australian supporters will enable the critical relief work required over the next weeks and months,” Jesuit Mission Australia CEO Helen Forde said.
“While they grieve, we know how much it means to support these devastated communities in every possible way.”
To donate: jesuitmission.org.au/emergency
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The Jesuits respond swiftly as Nepal floods leave hundreds dead and thousands missing (Jesuit Mission)
