Thousands Join Priests in Peaceful Protest for Flood-Hit Chellanam Region, Kerala

Chellanam, Kochi, Kerala, June 20, 2025 : In a powerful act of faith and solidarity, more than 10,000 people, including over 100 Catholic priests, gathered in Chellanam today to peacefully protest the government’s silence on the growing flood crisis. The protest, led by the dioceses of Kochi and Alleppey, called for urgent action to protect coastal communities suffering from rising sea levels and repeated flooding.

Many homes in the Chellanam region are currently submerged, with several families having lost everything. Despite repeated appeals, there has been no response from the authorities. In response, priests initiated a hunger strike as a prayerful act of resistance.

Fr Prince, one of the priests actively involved, shared with Catholic Connect:

“As a priest we work for the people. We lead the people with prayer, and our strength. Uniting people and standing together is our goal for justice. We pray for this and will stand with the people until this problem is resolved.”

The demonstration was peaceful and deeply rooted in prayer, with faithful from across the region joining in. Church leaders emphasised that the movement is not political, but a pastoral response to the suffering of the people.

“Our people are in distress,” said Fr. “We have asked for a sea wall to prevent further destruction. We want our communities to live without fear.”

The protest has received wide coverage from local and national media. Many participants noted that this is not just a local issue but a broader call for justice and compassion in the face of climate-related disasters.

While the protest has so far been peaceful and prayer-led, Church leaders indicated that if the issue continues to be ignored, further steps may be taken. These have not yet been detailed, but organisers stressed that any action will continue to uphold the principles of non-violence and faith.

The dioceses have urged the government to listen to the voices of the people and take immediate steps—particularly the construction of a protective sea wall—to ensure safety and stability for the affected communities.

As the Church continues to accompany the suffering, this protest stands as a testament to its mission: to serve, to stand in solidarity, and to act in love.

By Catholic Connect Reporter