New Delhi: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has conveyed profound grief and urgent concern over the devastating cloudbursts and landslides that struck Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh during this year’s monsoon season. The catastrophic events have claimed multiple lives, left several people missing, and inflicted extensive damage on homes, roads, and local livelihoods.
In an official statement, the CBCI drew attention to the alarming frequency and intensity of such calamities, pointing to the twin challenges of climate change and unsustainable development in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. “These disasters remind us of the urgent need to protect our environment and adopt responsible development practices,” the statement said.
Offering condolences to bereaved families, the CBCI expressed solidarity with all affected communities, praying for the speedy recovery of the injured and resilience for survivors who have lost everything. The Bishops urged Christians across India to join in heartfelt prayer and extend tangible support to those impacted by these natural calamities.
Caritas India, the humanitarian and relief arm of the Catholic Church, has already mobilized teams on the ground, providing emergency aid, shelter, and rehabilitation assistance. The CBCI called upon dioceses, institutions, and individual believers to contribute through Caritas India to ensure that relief reaches every corner of the affected regions efficiently.
Reiterating its long-term commitment, the CBCI emphasized the Church’s role not only in immediate relief but also in advocating for sustainable measures to mitigate the effects of such disasters in the future. “Our mission is to walk with the suffering, restore hope, and promote stewardship of creation,” the statement added.
The CBCI concluded with a plea for collective action, encouraging communities to unite in prayer, solidarity, and service, ensuring that those left devastated by nature’s fury are not left alone in their hour of need.