Caritas Nepal helps people after devastating earthquakes

Picture 1: Distribution of temporary shelter supplies in Nuwakot

Caritas Nepal has been working tirelessly to provide emergency relief across 12 of the most affected districts following the two devastating earthquakes that paralysed Nepal. With the support of the global Catholic network, Caritas Nepal has already supported more than 130,000 people with temporary shelter supplies which include tarpaulins, plastic mats and blankets, kits for clean water and hygiene care, and dry food.

Caritas Nepal and local partner staff and volunteers have shown incredible dedication in reaching the most affected and marginalised families in devastated communities. Even though many of them have suffered their own loss, and many are sleeping outside themselves because their homes have been destroyed, they continue to work around the clock determined to selflessly help and honour the dignity of others.

Bishop Paul Simick, Vicar Apostolic of Nepal said, “Caritas is the Church’s principal agency of love in action. Caritas Nepal is reaching out with this message of love to all our affected brother and sisters through this love in action… We are here to save lives and give hope to the people.”

Women and men preparing to return home with relief items

Caritas Nepal is part of Caritas Internationalis, the second largest humanitarian network in the world. Caritas is providing assistance in the following earthquake-affected districts: Gorkha, Sindhupalchowk, Nuwakot, Kavre, Dhading, Lamjung, Okhaldhunga, Rasuwa, Sindhuli, Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.

In many districts, Caritas teams, with support from local volunteers, have tackled challenging conditions to provide emergency assistance. In Gorkha, the team trekked mountainous terrain for two days to reach isolated villages. Shelter continues to be one of the most urgent priorities in the emergency response. With the expected monsoon season, Caritas is working as quickly as possible to get critical shelter and supplies to communities. They have also organised health camps for communities who do not have access to basic health services.

Last weekend, Caritas Nepal’s Director Fr Pius Perumana accompanied the Apostolic Nuncio from Rome, His Excellency Salvatore Pennacchio in a meeting with Prime Minister Sushil Koirala. During the meeting, they discussed Caritas Nepal’s commitment to the emergency response. “I already reassured the Prime Minister of Caritas Nepal’s long-term plan and commitments to Nepal’s people,” said Fr Perumana. “We are not going to just get away after a little relief distribution. We will be there in the long term.”

Since the earthquake, Fr Perumana has visited districts devastated by the disaster, and spoken with people who have lost loved ones and homes. “The thing that impressed me most is the resilience of the people,” said Fr Perumana. “There is tragedy and suffering but the people haven't lost hope. This gives me a lot of encouragement… I would like to say we are shaken but not beaten; we shall rise as one stronger Nepal.”