Salvation Army leader expresses solidarity with Nepal and Tibet after avalanche disaster

The Salvation Army’s international leader, General Lyndon Buckingham, has expressed deep sorrow for the plight of victims of a catastrophic ice avalanche and flooding in Nepal and Tibet. The disaster, which struck the districts of Rasuwa and Nuwakot in Nepal and Gyirong County in Tibet, has left nearly 500 people dead and over 1,000 missing, including foreign nationals and pilgrims. Whole villages and infrastructure have been destroyed, complicating response efforts.

General Buckingham called for global prayer for the disaster survivors and the search-and-response teams working tirelessly to locate those missing. “With deep sorrow, The Salvation Army around the world stands in solidarity with the people of Nepal and Tibet,” he said. “We are praying for the families of those who have died and for the many thousands who have lost their homes and livelihoods.”

He emphasized the emotional toll on the affected communities, noting the grief, fear, and vulnerability experienced by survivors and their families. “We feel their grief, their fear and their vulnerability,” he said. “We call on the citizens of the world to reach out with your own prayers on behalf of our Nepalese and Tibetan brothers and sisters.”

The Salvation Army is working closely with local authorities and humanitarian organizations to coordinate relief efforts. A rapid-response project has been initiated to provide immediate food assistance and essential household items to the most vulnerable families affected by the disaster.

Salvation Army personnel and local partners are conducting a rapid-needs assessment in consultation with affected communities and local authorities. This assessment will guide the procurement, transportation, and distribution of emergency food packages and essential household items such as blankets, clothing, bedding, and emergency lights.

The intervention aims to address immediate gaps in food security and access to essential items among the most vulnerable families. Local Salvation Army officers, volunteers, and community networks are playing a key role in identifying beneficiaries and ensuring the efficient delivery of aid.

As access improves and more information becomes available, further assessments will be conducted to determine evolving humanitarian needs and whether a broader, longer-term response is required beyond the initial rapid-response efforts. The Salvation Army remains committed to supporting the affected communities through this challenging time.

Source: Read the original report