Christian ministries are delivering food, shelter and other emergency supplies to Nepal as the country confronts one of the deadliest natural disasters in its modern history.
Government figures released Monday show that at least 903 people have died and approximately 4,247 remain missing following the catastrophic Aug. 26 flooding. The missing include 592 foreign nationals and hundreds of workers associated with hydropower projects.
The disaster began when a massive rock-and-ice collapse near the Nepal-Tibet border sent a wall of water, mud and debris through the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river corridors. Entire communities were destroyed, while roads, bridges and hydropower facilities were swept away.
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Samaritan’s Purse deployed disaster relief specialists to Nepal to serve alongside trusted Christian partners. Local churches and organizations are distributing tarps, hygiene kits, kitchen kits and other emergency supplies. A Samaritan’s Purse 767 cargo plane also departed North Carolina on Monday carrying family tents, blankets, solar lights and additional relief.
Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse, announced the ministry’s response in a social media statement posted before the death toll climbed above 900:
We are sending @SamaritansPurse disaster relief specialists to Nepal to work with our partners on the ground and provide urgently needed relief supplies for suffering families hit hardest by the sudden landslide and catastrophic floods this week. We previously worked in this area after the 2015 earthquake there. We are preparing to distribute emergency food, as well as send an airlift with tarps, blankets, solar lights, hygiene kits, and more. Over 500 people are now confirmed dead, with more than 1,000 still missing. Pray for our teams, those suffering from this disaster, and the rescue workers searching the area for survivors.
World Vision has also mobilized an emergency response focused on providing food, safe drinking water and emergency shelter kits. The Christian humanitarian organization expects additional needs to include hygiene supplies, child-protection services, emotional support and the restoration of essential infrastructure.
“Our hearts are with those who have lost loved ones, those who remain missing, and communities whose homes and livelihoods have been affected,” said Roslyn Gabriel, World Vision’s national director in Nepal. “We are particularly concerned for the safety, wellbeing, and protection of children, who are often among the most vulnerable during emergencies.”
As rescue workers search for survivors, Christian ministries are meeting physical needs while carrying hope into devastated communities. We must continue praying for grieving families, missing victims and those serving Nepal in Jesus’ name.
James Lasher, a seasoned writer and editor at Charisma Media, combines faith and storytelling with a journalism background from Otterbein University and ministry experience in Guatemala and at the LA Dream Center. A Marine Corps and Air Force veteran, he is the author of The Revelation of Jesus: A Common Man’s Commentary and a contributor to Charisma magazine. For interviews and media inquiries, please contact [email protected].
