Publish Date: 28 August 2026

Prayer for the victims of the China-Nepal flash flood

In the morning of 26 August, flash floods and landslides swept across the border between China and Nepal, destroying areas along Tibet’s Gyirong County and Nepal’s Rasuwa District. As of the evening of 28 August, 575 deaths have been reported, with over 2,500 still missing. Of these, many are tourists to the region. Buildings, cars, roads and bridges were likewise destroyed.

Experts estimate that the disaster started with a glacial collapse in the Himalayas. The dislodged ice and boulders fell, blocking a river and forming a landslide dam. The dam then overflowed, which led to the ensuing flash flood and landslide. With the complexity of the geography in the surrounding region, together with the expected rainfall in the coming days and significant temperature difference between night and day, rescue operations will become even more difficult. As many tourists are amongst the affected, countries across the world have been closely monitoring the situation.

Dear brothers and sisters,

Scripture teaches us to weep with those who weep, to love our neighbours with mercy, and to lend a helping hand to the needy. As children of God, who has received his wondrous grace, we are called to respond to disasters with love, shown in both our prayers and tangible actions. We, the bishops of HKSKH, call upon all the faithful to keep those affected by the flash floods in Tibet and Nepal in our prayers. Remember all those victims, the missing, and their families, ever praying for our Lord’s mercy, comfort, and peace.

Beyond our prayers, we should also remember the realities of rescue and reconstruction. The resources needed to rebuild the destroyed communities, to support the survivors, and to treat the injured will be immense, both in the short term and in the long term. We, who have received the love of Christ, are now called to make this love be known to them. No matter what amount you decide to contribute, it will surely be a charitable act that is pleasing in the eyes of God. If each of us do our part, perhaps a new river will reach the victims – a river of Christ’s love, that sustains the victims, until the day when their homes can be finally rebuilt.

Should you be moved to contribute to the cause, details of the ‘H.K.S.K.H. Archbishop’s World Relief Fund’ can be found at https://www.hkskh.org/content.aspx?id=65&lang=1. All proceeds will go to the Diocese of Singapore (the Anglican Church in Nepal operates under it as a deanery country) and The Amity Foundation for purposes of relief.

May we all find mercy, reverence, and obedience in our hearts, as we pray for the victims, and act in loving charity. May the grace of our Lord be present with all the lives affected by this disaster.

++ The Most Revd Andrew Chan

Prayer

Most merciful Father, we come before you with a humble heart to pray for all the victims of the flash flood in Tibet and Nepal. O Lord, who calmed the storms and sustains all things, be present with the victims, and abide with their families, that those who mourn may be comforted, and those who fear may find peace.

Look with favour upon those who are still missing, that they may be found and brought to safety. Heal the injured, and stop with your mighty hand any further disaster, that the rescuers, guided by your wisdom and strength, may safely reach the survivors in time. O Lord, grant that the areas affected may receive sufficient support, that future reconstruction may not be hindered or delayed, and what is broken today, whether buildings or communities, may be rebuilt in abundant hope.

Strengthen the faith of those suffering, and drive away their fear, sorrow, and despair, that in the midst of their adversity they may taste your peace and provision. Stir up the hearts of all your servants, we pray, that we may give generously, love abundantly, and witness the love of Christ through our prayers and actions.

For all praise, glory, and power belong to you; through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

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