Gospel for Asia Calls For Prayer As Himalayan Disaster Unfolds

A deadly flash flood unleashed Sunday by a glacier in India’s Himalayan Mountains has left scores of people missing — and prompted one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations to call for prayer. Join Gospel for Asia in prayer by visiting the following website: www.gfa.org/press/pray-disaster/

At least 30 people were confirmed dead and 165 others were reported missing after a chunk of a glacier broke free and sent a torrent of water gushing down a mountain valley in northern India’s Uttarakhand region bordering Nepal. The Himalayas are home to Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.

“The people living in this area are some of the most remote and poor people on earth,” said K.P. Yohannan, founder of Gospel for Asia (GFA World, www.gfa.org), calling for prayer. “Only God can comfort those who are grieving and give strength to those who are anxious for news of their loved ones.”

“We stand with all India’s people during this time of tragedy,” said Yohannan, whose Texas-based organization serves hundreds of thousands of Asia’s poor through emergency relief, their GFA Bridge of Hope program for children’s education, clean water projects and income-generating programs, among other initiatives.

‘Like An Earthquake’

According to reports, dozens of villagers were swept away by the deluge Sunday as the glacier burst a dam and water barreled down the valley, wiping out everything in its path. One witness said it was “like an earthquake.” Another described watching a wall of dust, rocks and water roar down the valley.

Rescue teams were quickly on the scene, as the search for survivors got under way. Workers at a hydroelectric power plant were trapped in a mud-filled tunnel, according to reports, while teams worked around-the-clock to reach them.

“We ask others to join us in praying for the families who’ve lost loved ones, for the workers who are trapped, and for the success and safety of the rescue teams,” Yohannan said. “At a time like this, people need the comfort and mercy of the God who loves them.”

PHOTO CUTLINE: HIMALAYAN DISASTER, CALL TO PRAY: Humanitarian organization Gospel for Asia (GFA World, www.gfa.org) is calling for prayer in the wake of a deadly flash flood in the Himalayan Mountains of northern India on Sunday. At least 30 people were confirmed dead and 165 others were reported missing after a chunk of a glacier broke free and sent a torrent of water gushing down a mountain valley.

About GFA World

GFA World (gospelforasia.net) is a leading faith-based global mission agency, helping national workers bring vital assistance and spiritual hope to millions across the world, especially in Africa and Asia, and sharing the love of God. In a typical year, this includes thousands of community development projects that benefit downtrodden families and their children, free medical camps conducted in more than 880 villages and remote communities, over 4,800 clean water wells drilled, over 12,000 water filters installed, income-generating Christmas gifts for more than 163,000 needy families, and teaching to provide hope and encouragement in 110 languages in 14 nations through broadcast ministry. GFA World has launched programs in Africa, starting with compassion projects in Rwanda. For all the latest news, visit the Press Room at https://gfanews.org/news.