From the ACNS: Three days after the massive earthquake hit, Nepal is still shaken and reeling from the devastation. Aftershocks continue to rock the earth, and the loss and damage is huge, with the Guardian relaying fears from Nepal’s Prime Minister that the death toll could reach 10,000.
The Rev. Lewis Lew, Dean of the Nepal Deanery of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore reports that communications are still difficult between churches near the epicenter of the quake and those trying to reach out to help them.
Currently, work is being done to assess the situation on the ground in Nepal, according to Dean Lew. “I hope to get more ground reports on [the needs] and how we can help practically, and also this will give me a chance to consult our bishops on how we can come alongside our folks in the deanery,” he said.
The news that is coming in is bleak.
Many of the Deanery’s churches are located in villages in the Dhading district which was badly hit by the quake. Buildings, houses, schools and churches have all collapsed. “Nothing is standing,” said one of the local priests.
Relief agencies are rushing to assist as they are able, including agencies of the Anglican Church.
Churches and agencies around the Anglican Communion have launched appeals and preparing for the massive relief response that will be needed. The Anglican Alliance would be standing ready to give support, said Co-Executive Director Rachel Carnegie.
The Rt Revd Rennis Ponniah, Bishop of Singapore, reported that Bishop Kuan Kim Seng, Director of Missions of the Diocese of Singapore, had put the ACROSS Crisis Relief team in ‘ready to move’ mode. “We stand ready to come alongside with practical help. We long to be with you and will do so soon.”
Dean Lew asked for prayers for all of those affected by the earthquake, and for first responders and teams gearing up to go to the region to help.
Photo via wikimedia commons. Posted by Rosalind Hughes