- 31 August, 2026
NEW DELHI, August 31, 2026: The All India Catholic Union (AICU) has expressed grief and solidarity with the people affected by the devastating floods that swept through parts of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China following a glacier collapse in the Himalayan region.
In a statement issued on August 31, the AICU said the disaster, which struck the Trishuli River basin on August 26, had caused widespread loss of life and destruction across the region.
According to the organisation, the glacier collapse near Langtang Lirung triggered flash floods and mudslides that affected the districts of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi and Chitwan in Nepal. The floods also destroyed the Gyirong Port complex along the Nepal-China border and caused devastation downstream.
The AICU described the tragedy as one of the most severe natural disasters to affect the Himalayan region in recent memory. Citing available reports, the organisation said hundreds of people had been killed and thousands remained missing in Nepal, while casualties and missing persons were also reported in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Entire settlements along the river basin were reportedly swept away, bridges destroyed and livelihoods devastated as floodwaters and mudslides moved through vulnerable Himalayan communities.
AICU National President A. Chinnappan said the organisation stood in mourning with families who had lost relatives in Nepal and China.
“The tragedy has crossed borders and affected communities irrespective of nationality or faith,” he said, extending the organisation's condolences and prayers to all those affected by the disaster.
The AICU has written to Fr Silas Bogati, Apostolic Administrator of the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal, conveying its condolences and assuring the Church and the people of Nepal of its prayers and solidarity.
The organisation also prayed for those still missing, rescue personnel and relief workers engaged in search and recovery operations, including religious and lay faithful assisting affected communities.
Calling for continued humanitarian assistance, the AICU expressed hope that survivors who had lost their homes and livelihoods would receive safe and dignified shelter before the onset of winter. It appealed for coordinated support from the government of Nepal and the international community to assist displaced families in rebuilding their lives.
The floods coincided with Teej, a major Hindu festival traditionally marked by prayer and celebration among Nepali communities. The AICU noted the painful contrast between a season of festivity and the widespread mourning that followed the disaster, while expressing hope that the spirit of community and solidarity associated with the festival would strengthen relief and rehabilitation efforts.
The organisation has appealed to its members and affiliated bodies across India to remember the victims and their families in prayer and to explore ways of extending practical support to agencies involved in relief work in Nepal.
The AICU also underlined the need for stronger regional cooperation in responding to disasters in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. It said the scale of the tragedy highlighted the importance of improved early-warning mechanisms, glacial monitoring and coordinated disaster preparedness among countries sharing the Himalayan region.
Supporting an ecumenical appeal for prayer, the AICU called upon people of all faiths in India to pray for the victims of the disaster and for the strength and resilience of Himalayan communities facing the difficult task of recovery and rebuilding.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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