Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has expressed his sorrow over the deaths and destruction caused by devastating flash floods in Nepal, offering prayers for those who died and spiritual closeness to people affected by the disaster.
In a telegram sent on Thursday and signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, the Pope offered his condolences to families who lost loved ones. He also prayed for emergency personnel involved in rescue operations and for those still missing.
Pope concluded his message by praying for God’s assistance and protection for the people of Nepal.
At least 165 people have died in Nepal, while more than 800 remain unaccounted for after a powerful surge of water, mud and debris swept through communities near the country’s northern border with China.
Hundreds of others are also missing in neighbouring Tibet, bringing the number of people unaccounted for across the affected region to almost 1,500.
The disaster is believed to have followed the collapse of part of a Himalayan glacier, which sent a sudden surge of water into a river system along the Nepal China border. Scientists said the force of the collapse was so strong that the resulting tremors were initially mistaken for an earthquake.
Entire settlements were flooded, while roads, bridges, power installations and other essential infrastructure were destroyed or badly damaged. A major border crossing was also affected, disrupting transport and trade routes.
Many of those missing are foreign visitors who had travelled to the region on pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar. These places are considered sacred by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains and followers of the Bon religion.
Thousands of soldiers, police officers and emergency workers have been deployed to the affected areas. Helicopters are being used to reach isolated communities, evacuate survivors and deliver food, medical supplies and other emergency assistance.
Rescue efforts have been made more difficult by damaged roads, mountainous terrain and the continuing risk of landslides and further flooding.
International assistance has also begun to arrive, with neighbouring countries, the United Nations and humanitarian organisations providing personnel, supplies and financial support.
The disaster has also raised renewed concern about glacial instability in the Himalayas. Rising temperatures are accelerating the melting and retreat of glaciers, increasing concerns about the risks faced by communities in the region.