The World Today
MADRID, 19 (EUROPA PRESS)
Caritas Pakistan has thanked the Pope for his closeness to those affected by the recent floods in Pakistan, India, and Nepal, which have left hundreds dead.
Leo XIV recalled the victims of the floods in Asia on Sunday after praying the Angelus. "I am close to the people of Pakistan, India, and Nepal affected by the violent floods. I pray for the victims and their families, and for all those suffering because of this disaster," he said.
According to Vatican News, Amajad Gulzar, executive director of Caritas Pakistan, said after the Pope's remarks that "Leo XIV's closeness has made the affected families feel loved by the universal Church."
Gulzar also reported "serious damage" to parish structures, community centers, and Catholic schools. In some cities, parishioners' homes and crops were partially or completely damaged. To address this emergency, local clergy and lay volunteers have pledged to coordinate relief efforts, providing assistance and support through prayer.
Specifically, Caritas Pakistan has launched a project that aims to help more than 12,000 people in the most devastated areas, such as Buner, Rawalpindi, Layyah, Jhang, Karachi, and Lahore. "We will distribute numerous food packages, hygiene kits, construction materials, kitchen utensils, and drinking water," Gulzar explained.
In addition, he stated that they will organize 15 free medical camps to treat flood-related illnesses, including hygiene awareness sessions to prevent outbreaks of cholera, malaria, diarrhea, and dengue fever.
Along these same lines, he urged the international community to help meet the "increasingly urgent" needs of the population. In addition to food and water, he emphasized the need for temporary shelter, medical care, and psychological support, especially for women and children. "We urge donors, partners, and civil society," he stated, "to join this humanitarian response. Together, we can save lives and rebuild communities."
Thus, Caritas volunteers and field teams are visiting flood-affected areas and liaising with district authorities.
