Caritas Nepal’s leader is urging global action on climate justice after catastrophic flooding in Nepal claimed more than 1,100 lives and left thousands missing.
Speaking to OSV News 3 September, Sister Cecilia Durga Shrestha, executive director of Caritas Nepal, said many survivors are receiving medical treatment, while countless families have lost homes, land, livelihoods and loved ones.
Nepal’s National Disaster Risk Management Authority reported 1,114 deaths, about 4,500 people missing and roughly 12,000 people rescued following the 26 August flood and mudslide near the Chinese border.
Sister Cecilia said the government’s immediate priority is protecting displaced families and supporting recovery efforts, but stressed authorities “cannot do this alone.”
She called for coordinated support from national and international organisations to help communities rebuild with greater resilience. The disaster followed warnings from researchers that Himalayan glaciers are melting at an accelerating rate.
A 5.2-magnitude glacial collapse triggered the deadly flooding. Noting Nepal produces less than 0.1% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Sister Cecilia called the country’s suffering “a profound injustice” and urged “concrete action” through climate finance, adaptation support and international solidarity. Caritas Nepal is providing emergency aid while planning long-term recovery and reconstruction efforts.
