Relief Reaches Families in Nepal
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have begun delivering relief to communities affected by catastrophic flooding following an Aug. 26 glacial collapse in Nepal.
After assessing the damage in Dhading District, Sisters and their partners provided supplies to 200 people in Galchi Rural Municipality. A second effort reached 150 families in the Nuwakot District.
The flooding swept away homes, farmland, roads, and sources of income. Families continue to face urgent needs as they begin a recovery that will take considerable time.
Relief in Galchi
Oliva Kujur, SCN, pictured above in the center, joined the Nepal Jesuit Social Institute for an initial assessment in Galchi, a largely agricultural area west of Kathmandu. After seeing the destruction, Sister Oliva described the situation simply: “Nothing is left there.”
The assessment identified immediate needs for safe drinking water, shelter, medical care, sanitation, clothing and assistance for children returning to school.
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and the Nepal Jesuit Social Institute provided relief materials to representatives of Galchi Rural Municipality. The supplies were distributed the following day.
The assistance included tents and mats for temporary shelter, bedsheets, clothing, buckets, water purification supplies, baby food, hand sanitizer and hygiene kits.
The response was coordinated with local government officials so supplies could reach families whose homes and belongings were lost.
Suchita Kullu, SCN, pictured above in the center, participated in the assessment and said the destruction affected every part of daily life.
“There is nothing left except a little ray of hope, human solidarity,” Sister Suchita said.
Reaching Families in Nuwakot
Later, Sister Oliva and Associate Carolyn Satyal traveled to Ward 9 of Bidur Municipality in the Nuwakot District.
Damaged and dangerous roads made the journey difficult, but the team continued to a holding center where families were waiting for assistance. They delivered mattresses, pillows, and bedsheets to 150 families.
The bedding provided immediate comfort to people who had lost their homes and possessions. The presence of the Sisters and Associates also assured families that they had not been forgotten.
Speaking with a mother who lost her husband to the floodwaters.
Among those affected is a mother whose husband remains missing after the flood swept through the area near their rented home. Her husband worked as a helper at a local government school.
The woman and her young daughter escaped, but they lost their home and belongings. Her daughter keeps asking about her father. The mother searches along the riverbanks and surrounding areas, hoping for information.
Her experience reflects the continuing toll of the disaster. For families with loved ones missing, the flooding remains present in the waiting and uncertainty.
Preparing for the Long Recovery
“We plan to reach out to more and more people in need, especially the children,” Sister Oliva said.
The Sisters are planning assistance for schoolchildren who need educational materials. They are also exploring ways to help women restore their livelihoods through skills training and other opportunities.
The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth have served in Nepal since 1979. Their ministries and relationships allow them to listen to community members, work with local leaders and respond as needs develop.
Their work is part of a coordinated effort involving local government agencies and humanitarian organizations. Continued collaboration will be important as families seek permanent housing, return children to school and rebuild sources of income.
An aerial photo taken before the flood and after.
The disaster has also renewed concerns about the risks facing Himalayan communities as the climate changes. Scientists continue to study the factors that led to the glacial collapse. The Sisters’ response reflects the Congregation’s commitment to care for creation and stand in solidarity with people who are most vulnerable.
Recovery will continue after public attention moves elsewhere. The Sisters and their partners are committed to remaining close to affected communities and responding as they move forward.
The initial response was reported by Chris Herlinger in National Catholic Reporter and Global Sisters Report under the headline, “Nepal floods leave ‘nothing’ behind as Catholic nuns mobilize aid.”
To Donate
Gifts will help the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth and their partners respond to immediate needs and support the recovery ahead.
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