Caritas Poland is stepping up relief efforts in Nepal following a devastating landslide, flood and mudslide that have left thousands of people missing and cut off entire communities from outside assistance.

The disaster struck on August 26 after rapidly melting glaciers triggered a massive flood and an avalanche of mud and rocks. According to the latest figures, 1,273 people have been rescued, while more than 4,000 remain missing, including a number of foreign tourists.

Many of the hardest-hit communities remain inaccessible. The mountainous terrain, combined with the destruction of bridges and major roads, has severely hampered rescue and relief operations. According to Vatican News, Caritas Poland, the country’s largest Catholic charitable organization, is supporting relief efforts in cooperation with Caritas Nepal.

Aid Delivered Through Caritas Nepal

Caritas Poland has been working with its Nepalese counterpart for more than a decade. The Polish organization has already allocated PLN 400,000 (€90,000) for emergency assistance, while fundraising continues.

“The funds raised are intended for the most urgent needs – food, clean water, medical supplies and hygiene products,” said Father Janusz Majda, director of Caritas Poland. “In such dramatic moments, those affected most need the feeling that they are not alone.”

Caritas has established a field kitchen providing meals to around 300 families. Additional shipments of food and other essential supplies are being prepared. The relief effort also includes clothing, blankets, tents and medicines, as well as medical assistance, with particular attention to pregnant women and mothers with young children.

Communities Cut Off From Help

Access remains one of the biggest challenges facing aid workers.

“The problem is that bridges and main roads have collapsed, so we can’t reach all the affected areas,” Sister Cecilia Durga Shrestha, director of Caritas Nepal, told Vatican News.

Caritas Nepal is searching for alternative routes to reach isolated communities. In areas that cannot be reached by road, relief supplies are also being transported by helicopter.

From Emergency Relief to Long-Term Recovery

Caritas Poland and Caritas Nepal previously worked together following the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015. The organizations expect that the current crisis will likewise require assistance well beyond the initial rescue operation.
Once the emergency phase is over, long-term support will be needed to rebuild homes and provide medical and psychological care to survivors.

Sister Shrestha stressed the importance of international solidarity.

“Caritas Nepal is always grateful to the Catholic community and all the organizations that help and support us in difficult times,” she said. “Our only concern is that we cannot reach everyone, but with the prayers and help of everyone, much can be achieved.”

Nepalese Touched by Pope Leo XIV’s Response

Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep sorrow over the deaths and destruction caused by the disaster. In a telegram sent on August 27, he assured the victims and their families of his spiritual closeness and prayers, while asking for God’s help and protection. He also contributed his own funds to the relief effort.

Father Silas Bogati, Apostolic Administrator of the Vicariate of Nepal, said the Pope’s response had deeply affected the country’s Catholic community.

“The Holy Father’s concern for the people of Nepal has deeply touched and moved us,” he said.

Risk of Further Flooding

Meanwhile, concerns are growing over the possibility of further flooding. A landslide on the Tibetan side has created a lake containing an estimated 2 million cubic meters of water.

Forecasters are warning of heavy rainfall, raising fears that the lake could overflow and trigger another wave of flooding downstream.

As rescue teams and aid organizations continue to work in difficult conditions, the immediate priority remains reaching communities that have been cut off and providing survivors with food, water, medical care and shelter.

The Himalayas — Nepal’s mountains — beautiful, yet ominous., photo credit: truthseeker08, Pixabay

By Family News Service, Piotr Kowalczuk