by Nirmala Carvalho

Bishop Joseph Aind SDB, Bishop of the Diocese of Dibrugarh, explains: "People need to rebuild their dignity." Half a million people live in refugee camps, in shelters or other ecclesiastical structures. The floods have washed away homes, plantations, trees and animals. Local diocesan Church and NGOs distribute mosquito nets, dried food, tents and medicine.

Mumbai (AsiaNews) - "The victims of floods in Assam, women and children in particular, need every help we can: prayers, food and medical care. They have to rebuild everything, even their dignity as human beings." Through AsiaNews, Mgr. Joseph Aind, SDB, Bishop of the Diocese of Dibrugarh, appeals for help for the people of the northeastern Indian state, hit by devastating floods in late June. Currently, almost half a million people are living in refugee camps scattered across the state, all others have found refuge in Catholic institutions and structures, or outdoors.

The official toll of 81 dead certain about, most of which washed away the river that broke its banks in Bhramaputra. At least 16 people were buried by mud.

The local Catholic Church is at the forefront in providing help and assistance of various kinds. "Tens of thousands of people - the bishop explains to AsiaNews - lost homes, property, crops of tea, not to mention the damage to infrastructure. The diocese, through the continued engagement of our religious, is helping all it can: distributing food parcels , medicines, blankets, mosquito nets and tents. Without distinction of caste or creed. "

In this context, the work of Seva Kendra is vital, an NGO that works in the diocese in the districts of Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, Sivasagar, Jorhat and Golaghat. "These floods - Msgr. Aind concludes - have left people totally destitute. Not only destroyed their homes, but also forests and animals. Their source of livelihood is gone. We need help to rebuild everything, also their dignity as human beings. "

 

• india
• assam
• floods
• bishop
• appeal
• aid