August 30, 2009

Mudslides lead to many deaths in India 

Devastating mudslides have wrecked portions of West Bengal, India, according to a report from Nabin Mangrati, a native missionary there.

The series of rainstorms—beginning in May with Cyclone Aila and culminating this month—have caused dozens of deaths in the area, as well as the loss of thousands of houses just in the Darjeeling region alone during four separate series of mudslides this summer.

One local news report about the most recent mudslide read, “At least seven people, including three members of a family, were killed in a large scale landslides triggered by torrents, that also damaged 300 homes and severed [the] link to Dareeling's major areas early today, officials said, while five were buried alive in Kurseong, two minors died after heavy rains and mudslides swept their houses in Kalimpong sub-division of Darjeeling district… Fifty-five year-old Man Bahadur Subba of Purusr Bustee of 5th Mile also died after boulders flattened his home and dragged some hundreds meters away.”

“The hardest hit area is Bakhricot village where river sifted into the village,” Nabin said. “They need our prayers and support… it’s a great opportunity to reach the Hindu people with the love of Christ.”

Currently, 1300 families are living in relief camps.

“Our goal is to raise at least $30,000 for this cause so we could rebuild 20 houses which would be very simple: four walls and the roof,” Nabin said. The mudslides have also impacted a number of Christian families in the area.

 “We are going to connect with local pastors and Local non-government organizations, and assess the damage,” Nabin added. We’ll do research for to determine deserving families, and rebuild their homes and give them the greatest hope: Christ the Lord. As we meet their physical needs during their desperate need, we will be able to reap the greatest harvest through the Lord.”

Along with the loss of homes, the mudslides have seriously damaged numerous roads, including major thoroughfares which are critical to the area’s economy. Bridges have been washed away by the tons of mud and added debris—boulders, trees, and homes—that have crashed down upon them.