Severe flooding and landslides in the northern states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have claimed lives and left thousands in urgent need of help, with Church leaders calling for prayer and practical support.
Heavy rains between 15 and 16 September in the two states caused at least 18 deaths, left 16 people missing, and stranded thousands. Since the start of the monsoon season in June, nearly 1,100 people across the country have died from flooding, landslides, and rain-related accidents.
At least 15 states have been affected. Himachal Pradesh has suffered the greatest loss, with about 400 deaths, followed by Kerala with 335, Andhra Pradesh 258, Jammu and Kashmir 130, Bihar 98, and Punjab 55. Flood damage in Himachal Pradesh alone is estimated to exceed 4 billion rupees.
In Shimla, the Himachal state capital, a landslide buried several vehicles and blocked a major road on 16 September, disrupting daily life. Other areas have also endured widespread devastation. Punjab, for example, has seen its worst flooding in decades, with 55 deaths and around 380,000 people affected.
Government agencies have begun distributing compensation, including 20 million rupees to families who lost loved ones in Punjab. Similar measures are expected in other regions.
The Catholic charity Caritas India has been active in relief efforts, delivering food, hygiene kits, and emergency support in multiple states, including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Bihar, Kerala, and Jammu and Kashmir. Caritas has set aside more than 40 million rupees to assist communities and is assessing further needs for rehabilitation.
Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrao, president of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India, has urged Catholics and Church institutions to intercede in prayer and extend financial help. He noted that over 1,500 people have died nationwide, with countless families displaced and many still searching for missing loved ones.
Church agencies continue to stand alongside those suffering, offering aid and hope amid the ongoing crisis.
Adapted from UCA News.
