Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Agenzia Fides) - The number of people killed in record monsoon rains in and around the Indian city of Mumbai (Bombay) has risen to more than 900. The rains affected Maharashtra state and further south also Goa and Kerala. Weather officials said the rainfall in Mumbai was the heaviest recorded in India's history, causing havoc in a city known for its inadequate infrastructure. Meanwhile the state authorities fear the large amounts of debris and animal carcasses could cause outbreak of disease.
In north Mumbai a landslide of mud buried a whole slum area. The heavy rains caused road accidents and electricity blackouts in the city which has a population of 15 million. Schools and offices were closed for several days. State helicopters are distributing food and other aid.
Pope Benedict XVI, informed of the tragedy, instructed Cardinal Angelo Sodano, secretary of state to send a telegramme to Cardinal Ivan Dias, Archbishop of Mumbai to express his sympathy and solidarity. The telegramme read: “deeply saddened by the reports of the tragic consequences of the monsoon rains in Maharasgtra State His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI sends the assurance of his profound solidarity and pastoral concern. With fervent prayers that Almighty God will grant eternal peace to those who have died and consolation and strength to the homeless, injured and suffering, he invokes the divine gifts of wisdom, strength and peace upon the civil authorities and those engaged in the massive work of relief and rebuilding”.
Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples also sent a telegramme to Cardinal Dias expressing the sympathy of the Congregation and all the ecclesial realities present in mission territories.
Indian government sources say that the lives of at least 5 million people have been affected by these exceptional monsoon rains. Government rescue teams are working all along the west coast of India in collaboration with numerous NGOs and humanitarian organisations. The local Catholic Church in India is organising assistance for the stricken families but until the rain stops many remain isolated.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 29/7/2005 righe 27 parole 279)
