Indian Bishops’solidarity with Hindu pilgrims affected by floods

21 June, 2013 - The Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) has expressed "deep concern" over the devastation caused by floods and landslides that have hit many parts of the northern state of Uttarkhand, causing serious casualties. "It is distressing to know that thousands of pilgrims and villagers are stranded and heavy damage is done to many shrines and holy places in Kedarnath and its vicinity,” said Archbishop Albert D'Souza of Agra, Secretary General of CBCI, in an official message. As on Friday, the heavy monsoon rains that began about a week ago, sent the death toll past 200, while tens of thousands of people, mostly Hindu pilgrims, have been stranded. The police have carried over 30 thousand people to safety, but 50 thousand other are still trapped by landslides. “While the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India condoles the death of many victims, it wishes to express its sympathy and solidarity with those thousands of stranded pilgrims and the many people who have lost their houses, shelters and other establishments," Archbishop D’Souza said. The Indian Church is supporting government agencies in providing aid to victims of floods through the diocesan Caritas and NGOs. (Source: AsiaNews)