The Catholic Church in Pakistan is stepping up its humanitarian response as Punjab province suffers its worst floods in 40 years, leaving more than 1.5 million people homeless and hundreds of villages submerged, reported Fides.
“This situation is very serious and terrible. Families have lost homes, land, and livelihoods. In my parish of Bhai Pheru, south of Lahore, we helped 32 families with food so they could survive,” said Fr. Qaiser Feroz, OFM Cap, speaking to Fides. “The water has inundated houses, churches, and farmlands. This is the worst flooding in decades, and our communities are trying their best, but resources are inadequate.”
The flooding of the Sutlej, Ravi, and Chenab rivers, intensified by heavy monsoon rains and the release of water from across the border, has claimed over 800 lives in recent weeks, including more than 200 children, while nearly 25 million students remain unable to attend school.
Christian communities, though themselves affected, are mobilizing to provide relief. Parishes are distributing food, medicines, and emergency shelter, even as they struggle with damaged facilities. Fr. Feroz urged solidarity with the victims, particularly vulnerable families living on the streets.
The government has launched extensive evacuation and relief efforts, including temporary shelters and medical centers. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited affected areas on August 28.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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