By Matters Indian Reporter
NEW DELHI, September 1, 2026: The All India Catholic Union, Asia’s oldest lay Catholic organization, has expressed “profound grief and solidarity” with the people of Nepal after catastrophic floods struck the Trishuli river basin on August 26.
Triggered by a glacier collapse near Langtang Lirung, the disaster sent flash floods and mudslides through Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, Tanahun, Nawalparasi and Chitwan districts, destroying the Gyirong Port complex on the Nepal-China border. Victims’ remains were carried as far as 240 kilometers downstream into India.
Authorities say the death toll now exceeds 1,000 with more than 4,400 people remain unaccounted for in both countries. Across the border in China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, 16 people were reported dead and 546 missing. Entire settlements were swept away, bridges destroyed and livelihoods erased “within minutes,” the union said, calling it among the gravest disasters in Himalayan memory.
AICU National President A. Chinnappan said the tragedy “does not recognize borders.”
He added, “Nepali villagers, Chinese laborers and Indians have all perished together in the same waters. Our grief, and our prayers, extend to every family touched by this calamity, regardless of nationality or faith.”
The union pledged continued prayers and solidarity with all affected communities.