Pope Leo XIV has sent financial support to Caritas Nepal, as relief operations in the country continue following the devastating flood disaster last week.
The Holy Father, in coordination with the Apostolic Nunciature of Nepal, sent concrete financial support to meet the most urgent needs of people affected by the disaster, including providing food, basic necessities and shelter.
"This is the initial assistance that the Holy Father, as on other occasions, wanted to send to meet the immediate needs of the population,” explained the Prefect of the Dicastery for the Service of Charity, Archbishop Luis Marín de San Martín.
The Prefect called it "a rapid and concrete sign to convey, especially to the most vulnerable, the closeness and tenderness of the Holy Father, like a caress from the Church that accompanies and supports them."
More than 900 people have died and more than 3,000 are reported mission in Nepal alone, with 16 dead and 546 missing in the Tibet region of China, following a series of devastating flash floods near the border of the two countries on Wednesday, 26 August.
Caritas Australia has urged Australian to support their relief work in Nepal, to help expand its emergency response to reach families who have lost homes, livelihoods and loved ones.
On the ground, Caritas Nepal has established community kitchens initially intended to provide meals for 300 affected families. Alongside partner agency Catholic Relief Services, this response has now expanded to 50 community kitchens throughout remote areas of Nepal where many have lost not only their homes, but also their food supplies, cooking equipment and ability to prepare meals.
Further emergency assistance is set to reach 1,000 families, with ready-to-eat meals, shelter materials, household essentials, hygiene kits and solar lighting for displaced households.
"Many families have lost not only their homes, but the everyday items that help them survive and recover, including food, cooking utensils, bedding and access to healthcare," said Caritas Australia Humanitarian Manager Sally Thomas.
"Something as simple as a community kitchen can make a huge difference in the early days after a disaster. For families who have lost everything, knowing there is a meal available provides both practical support and a sense of stability during an incredibly difficult time."
Caritas Australia has joined the Emergency Action Alliance in the Nepal Floods Joint Appeal, with funds raised going to thirteen Australian organisations responding to the crisis.
Caritas Australia's Nepal Floods Appeal remains open to support emergency relief and recovery efforts through Caritas Nepal.
To support Caritas Australia’s Nepal Floods Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/nepal or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
