As Nepali Anglican congregations in Sydney gather to pray, church leaders in the Himalayan region report that devastating flash floods have killed hundreds including Anglican Church families.
“A massive flood from the northern part has damaged many things and taken over 380 lives, including seven persons from Anugraha Anglican Church,” said the Reverend Prem Tamang, Dean of the Anglican Church in Nepal and Director of the Anglican Training Centre.
The Archbishop of Sydney’s Anglican Aid is working with partners in the Anglican Church in Nepal and taking donations to its Emergency Relief Fund.
Preserve life, O Lord. May many of the missing be found safe and returned to their homes.
Grant strength, endurance and skill to emergency workers and search teams. May they reach many who are still alive.
“Right now I am on the site here and we have done our rapid assessment,” said Dean Tamang. “There are huge needs for people in food first because people have to survive. There are a lot of rescues going on. So next our plan is to provide a meal for the victims and also clothes for the many children.”
Sadly, some of our church members are still missing and we have not yet been able to make contact with them.”
Anglican Aid director Tim Swan is getting reports from the church leaders who are preparing to build temporary shelters for families.
“The government is doing its best to carry out rescue operations but many remote areas remain inaccessible because roads and bridges have been washed away,” Prem Tamang says. “As the Anglican Church in Nepal, we are prayerfully assessing the situation and seeking how best we can respond through relief and practical support to those affected.”
And in a special message for Sydney Anglicans he said: “Thank you so much for your prayers and for always standing with us, especially during difficult times.”
Donations can be made to Anglican Aid’s emergency fund here.
Main photo: Dean Prem Tamang assesses damage in the disaster area.
