The devastating floods and landslides on 26 August 2026 have caused widespread destruction and hardship in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading, affecting schools, health institutions and many vulnerable families. The loss and damage have left communities facing not only immediate needs but also the difficult task of rebuilding their lives and restoring essential services.
In response to this situation, the CJ Nepal Region has formed a Core Group to coordinate and accompany the relief and rehabilitation initiative. The group consists of Srs. Vinita, Jessy, Marisa, Deepa and Amita. The Core Group will work closely with the affected communities and relevant institutions to identify genuine needs, assess priorities and ensure that the support provided reaches those who need it most.
Prayer became the first response. The entire St. Mary’s family came together for a deeply moving memorial prayer service, bringing grief, hope, and longing before God. When it became clear how help could reach the affected areas, the sisters purchased food and other essential materials for families
affected by the disaster and contacted the Chief District Officer’s Office in Lalitpur for guidance. We were directed to hand over the relief materials to the Disaster Management Centre at Samakhusi, Kathmandu, so that they could be channeled through the appropriate relief mechanisms.
A truckload of relief materials was subsequently handed over. It was a simple act, but behind that truck were many hearts saying the same thing: “You are not alone.”
Sr Vinita, the Regional Superior, also reports: “On the same day, after conversations and communal discernment, the Congregation of Jesus decided to contribute NPR 10 lakhs (1,000,000 Nepalese rupees, approx. 5,600 euros) to the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund. The occasion became particularly meaningful when we were received by the Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and the Hon. Finance Minister, Dr. Swarnim Wagle. They expressed their appreciation and inquired about the Congregation of Jesus and our presence and ministry in Nepal. For us, it was an encouraging moment. A small contribution from a religious congregation had become part of a much larger national effort to stand beside people who had lost so much.”
A very touching response came from the parents and students of St. Mary’s, Jawalakhel. The children began collecting things that may seem ordinary in everyday life, but become precious when everything has been washed away: warm clothes and T-shirts, plates, cooking utensils and vessels, sanitary
items, food supplies, buckets and mugs, spoons, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and other simple necessities for daily living.
“A truly heart-touching moment was when one of our generous benefactors came forward with a large quantity of readymade clothes for the victims.”
The sisters also extended assistance through NJS (Nepal Jesuit Society), reaching
to respond to the urgent needs emerging from the disaster.
The next intention of the CJ sisters is to move beyond immediate relief and contribute towards meaningful and sustainable rehabilitation. Depending on the needs identified and the commitments received from our generous donors, we are considering support in areas such as:
- Construction or reconstruction of damaged school and health facility buildings
- Furniture and essential infrastructure
- Computers and educational/technical equipment
- Essential supplies and materials for affected institutions
- Support to extremely poor and vulnerable families
- Other necessary assistance based on verified needs
