Caritas swings into action in Nepal

Caritas Internationalis, the Catholic Church’s worldwide charity network is requesting funds to provide immediate relief and temporary shelter to the quake-hit people in Nepal.  Saturday’s magnitude-7.8 earthquake struck central Nepal and surrounding regions, paralyzing the capital Kathmandu, Pokhara and surrounding areas in Nepal and parts of northern India.  The death toll climbed above 3,700 on Monday.  “The international Caritas network has begun procuring tarpaulins, shelter kits and water, sanitation and hygiene materials. They are also looking to address the need of trauma counselling for people who are out in open spaces and some in temporary shelters around Kathmandu," said a press release from Caritas.  

Pope Francis on Sunday led a prayer for the victims of the  earthquake in Nepal, and urged solidarity for those hit by the calamity.  “I wish to assure my closeness to the population hit by a powerful earthquake in Nepal and in neighbouring countries,” the Pope told a vast crowd in Rome’s St. Peter’s Square after the weekly midday ‘Regina Coeli’ prayer.  “I pray for the victims, for the wounded and those who are suffering because of this calamity,”  the Holy Father said, urging they be supported by brotherly solidarity.  He then led the crowd in reciting the  ‘Hail Mary’ prayer to intercede with the Virgin Mary.  Earlier, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin sent a telegram on behalf of Pope Francis to the Apostolic Vicariate of Nepal, Bishop Paul Simick, expressing his condolences for those affected by the earthquake.

Caritas India Executive Director Fr. Frederick D’Souza has agreed to send a team of experts to set up a stronger relief base in Nepal. Besides the human resource, India will invite generous funds from the business houses for this cause.  “Even as we get ready to send more help, Caritas India’s South Zonal Manager Dr Haridas is already part of the response team” Fr. Frederick informed Caritas India Chairman Bishop Lumen Monteiro  of Agartala.  Caritas Nepal Director Fr. Pius Perumana informed his Indian counterpart that the team is waiting for the government to allot area of relief intervention and expressed happiness over Caritas India’s willingness to help.

Italy’s Catholic Church has responded to the appeal of Pope Francis for Nepal, sanctioning €3 million for emergency relief work for the quake-hit people in the Himalayan nation.   Caritas Italy, the Italian bishops’ national charity organization  on Monday decided to channel the amount through Apostolic Nuncio to India and Nepal, Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio.

The Government of Nepal on Monday invited Caritas Nepal and other humanitarian agencies to a coordination meeting. Without any delay these agencies are requested to inform and coordinate with the Home Ministry for any response. The Nepal government reportedly is yet to activate its machineries.  (Source: UCAN)