PATNA ARCHDIOCESE

Appeal for generous Contribution for Flood Victims

 "If one member suffers, all suffer together" (1 Cor 12,26).

Dear Fathers/Brothers/Sisters,

SUBJECT: Appeal for solidarity and contribution to help the flood affected population in Patna, Maner, Bakhtiarpur and Bariarpur Parishes under Patna Archdioceses.

We, the Catholic Church in Bihar express our deep concern and solidarity with the flood affected people of Bihar and offer our prayers and condolences to all those who lost their lives, livestock and property.

The flood happened due to release of water from Indrapuri Barrage and other rivers merging into Ganga River. Besides, a huge volume of water has been released from Bansagar dam and it is expected that water level, which has reduced, may once again rise.

As per the news, at least 120 persons have been killed while 23.71 lakh people affected in the Bihar floods with many areas, specially the riverine belt of 12 districts badly reeling under water in the state. As per the Disaster Management Department statement, the floods caused by a spate in rivers Ganga, Sone, Punpun, Burhi Gandak, Ghaghara and Kosi have affected 23.71 lakh people in 1115 villages under 362 Panchayats in 12 districts of the state.

As the reports coming in, Patna and Munger are the worst affected districts. Patna District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal has stated that a total of 1.55 lakh people have been evacuated so far in Patna district, and 179 relief camps were being run in the flood-hit areas, giving shelter to 1,07,000 people even as 160 medical teams were providing services. However, as the reports published in today’s newspaper, the flood situation is grim and lakhs of population are still not getting any help from Govt.

Based on initial need assessment by our church organizations besides other humanitarian agencies, there is huge need emerging and there is a huge gap in Food materials, blankets, sanitary kits, medicines to the affected population. We need to respond to the need of the suffering people by extending our support and reach out to the marooned brother and sisters in the flooded area of in Maner, Patna, Bakhtiarpur and Bariarpur Parishes.

On behalf of the Catholic Church in Bihar, I make an urgent appeal to all the members of the hierarchy and the leadership to encourage the community of faithful, institutions and people of goodwill to generously contribute to this humanitarian call and express our solidarity and support in time of need.

  Keeping in mind the urgency of the need, you may send your contribution to ‘Sewa Kendra’, A/C no. 18950100001625 (UCO bank, Digha Ghat, Patna).

May I invoke the blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ on all of us.

Yours lovingly in the Service of the Lord,

†William D’ Souza S.J                                                                         Fr. Amal Raj S.

Archbishop of Patna                                                                            Director