On Wednesday, August 26, severe flash floods tore through Nepal and Tibet. There was no rain and no warning. Videos show people with only seconds to flee before bridges, roads, and power plants were swept away. The full extent of the damage is still unknown.1
GFA World’s national missionaries serve in many of the hardest-hit communities in Nepal. Churches were destroyed. Homes were torn apart. Thousands of people we serve have been affected. Here’s one report we received:
“Pastor P … has been badly affected by the flash flood. His church building and house have been completely flooded. By God’s grace, he and his family were able to escape and are safe. However, at present, they have very little to survive with, except for the clothes they were wearing. Many families from his church have also lost their houses and belongings.”
Damaged communication towers and power lines have made it hard to reach missionaries in the flood zone. Based on the reports we have received, GFA World relief teams are already on the ground providing clothes, solar lamps, phone chargers, blankets, kitchen supplies, and food.
Experts say the flooding was triggered by a massive glacial collapse in the mountains above. Emergency crews from both countries are now searching for survivors.
In Nepal, at least 826 people are missing, including hundreds of foreign tourists from India, the United States, Australia, Britain, Canada, and other countries. In Tibet, Chinese officials report 558 more missing.2
In Tibet, about 800 emergency workers, 150 vehicles, service dogs, and speedboats have been deployed in the operation. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has directed the Nepali Army, Armed Police Force, and Nepal Police to carry out rescue and relief operations. Medical teams, the Nepal Red Cross Society, Nepal Scouts, ambulances, and helicopters are also being mobilized.3
In the face of such devastation, we are asking you to please pray for God’s mercy and provision. Our missionaries, churches and the communities we serve in central Nepal are suffering and need our prayers. The Lord promises to be near the broken-hearted (Psalm 34:18). Let us stand in the gap for these precious souls.