Hundreds killed in flash flood on Nepal-Tibet border – please pray

Please pray for those affected by the flash flood that has killed hundreds in Nepal and Tibet, with many more missing. Christians are amongst those affected.

The massive flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border has killed more than 1,000 people, mostly from Nepal, with thousands more missing. It happened last Wednesday (26 August) and is reported to have been caused by a collapsed glacier.

“I stand before you today with a heavy heart,” said Balendra Shah, Prime Minister of Nepal. “The sudden and devastating flood in Rasuwa’s Bhote Koshi River has left the entire nation shocked and grieving.”

Impact on Christians

“As per the information we have from our local networks, 75 believers have died in the floods, while more than 70 are still missing,” shares Raji*, an Open Doors local partner. “These figures are subject to ongoing updates as we receive more information from our partners.

“A few churches in these districts have been physically damaged by the floods, with church buildings, equipment and other materials swept away or destroyed. Most of the believers from these churches were working in tunnels, factories, hydro projects and at other sites by the riverside.”

Mohan*, a local partner, reports, “17 people from our church remain missing and unreachable. This terrible flood has torn families apart. Children have been left without parents, women have become widows, and countless families are suffering unimaginable grief and loss.”

John*, another local pastor, is aware of church members who have been left without any employment or a source of income. Many of them depended on daily wage labour for their livelihoods, particularly those working on hydropower projects, tunnel construction, riverbed work and border-related activities that have been destroyed by the flood.

The disaster has left countless people, including Christians, in dire need of food, clean drinking water, temporary shelter, clothing, blankets and hygiene supplies. Many families have lost their homes, livestock, personal belongings and important documents. 

Why is Nepal on the World Watch List?

Nepal is 46th on the World Watch List, returning to the top 50 after a three-year absence. Last year, widespread demonstrations led to the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, and the political instability provided cover for an uptick in violence and pressure against Christians. A lot of persecution is driven by Hindu extremists, who believe that all Nepali people should be Hindu and that Nepal should return to being an officially Hindu country.

It is currently unclear to what extent those affected by persecution have been impacted by this disaster.

“We are trying to connect with the churches in these areas and are evaluating the needs on the ground. Do pray for us that we can communicate timely and act with wisdom and discernment,” says Raji.

*Names changed for security reasons