By Adolf Washington
Kodagu: Archbishop Peter Machado of Bangalore visited the flood-ravaged Kodagu region of Karnatka state and interacted with the victims of nature’s fury.
The archbishop was accompanied by a core-team that planned, monitored and coordinated relief work during the September 18-19 visit.
Although the flood waters have receded, the ravages it caused was visible — massive landslides, caved-in roads, collapsed houses and uprooted trees.
The prelate listened to the cry of a woman who lost her 12 acres of land and house.
The archdiocese collected money and material for the flood-ravaged areas.
The team visited Hattihole where most damages happened. About 35 Catholic families were displaced, most of them have lost their houses. It was here a Catholic, Francis Monteiro sacrificed his life while saving others. The team met the wife of Monteiro’s wife and consoled her.
About 500 students of Nirmala Vidya Nikethan English medium school, Hattihole, were shifted to Suntikoppa. The team visited Suntikoppa and interacted with the students from Hattihole school. The children were still going through trauma, post-floods.