By Matters India Reporter

New Delhi, Nov. 16, 2018: The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India has expressed deep sorrow and sadness at the heavy damage inflicted by cyclone Gaja that hit the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu on November 16.

According to initial reports, 23 people have lost their lives and a total of 81,948 people now stay in 471 relief centers in six districts.

“We pray for the repose of the departed people and even as we offer our condolences to the affected families we assure them of our support and comfort,” says a press release from the bishops’ conference.

It notes that the “natural disaster took its toll despite the preventive measures taken by the government of Tamil Nadu and by the Church.”

The cyclone made landfall around 1:40 am in the Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu. Heavy rain and strong winds lashed the coastal areas of the state from the previous evening.

The worst affected areas lie in the diocese of Thanjavur and the archdiocese of Pondicherry-Cuddalore. Many people of this region have lost their houses, the trees have been uprooted, the roads and the school buildings have been damaged.

“The Shrine of Our Lady of Health, Vailankanni, was also affected badly. The ferocious winds have taken off the cross from the tower of the ancient church and have also severely damaged the statue of Jesus near the Morning Star Church,” says the press release signed by conference secretary general Bishop Theodore Mascarenhas.

The Catholic Church’s social service societies have plunged into relief activities. They are guided by Archbishop Antony Anandarayar of Pondicherry-Cuddalore and Bishop M Devadass Ambrose of Thanjavur.

“The Catholic Church stands in solidarity with all people suffering from this calamity and desires to help all people irrespective of their religion, community or provenience,” Bishop Mascarenhas says.

According to him, Caritas India, the social action wing of the Church, is assessing the damage to launch relief intervention as soon as possible. “We reiterate our desire to work with the government and all people of good will to provide succour to the suffering people,” the prelate adds.