ITANAGAR, Arunachal Pradesh (Indian Catholic News) — The Diocese of Itanagar is coordinating relief efforts after a devastating flash flood destroyed a Catholic parish in India’s northeastern state of Arunachal Pradesh, thanking God that all clergy, religious and others at the parish escaped safely.
The flash flood struck St. Thomas Parish in Parsi Parlo during the early hours of July 13 after torrential rainfall caused the Parsi Parlo River to overflow, inundating the parish campus, according to a diocesan statement.
The temporary church was “completely washed away,” while the presbytery, convent, school and teachers’ quarters suffered extensive damage. Floodwaters have since receded, but thick mud and debris have left the campus devastated.
“In the midst of this tragedy, we give heartfelt thanks to Almighty God that no lives were lost,” the statement said.
Parish priest Father Naveen Kumar, assistant parish priest Father Krupa Mulgumati and four Franciscan Clarist Sisters serving at the parish escaped safely before floodwaters engulfed the church.
The diocese said the Blessed Sacrament was “reverently transferred to a safe place,” describing the action as “a moving witness to their faith and presence of mind even amid great danger.”
The destruction at St. Thomas Parish was part of a broader flood emergency across Arunachal Pradesh.
The State Emergency Operation Centre said torrential rains had damaged transport links, residential properties, schools, agriculture and essential infrastructure. The death toll stood at seven, while more than 97,000 people had been affected statewide.
Roads blocked, relief coordinated
Relief operations have been complicated by continuing heavy rains, landslides and blocked roads, leaving access to Parsi Parlo severely restricted.
The diocese said it decided against sending additional personnel from the bishop’s residence after priests already in the region warned that travel could endanger more lives without guaranteeing access to the isolated parish.
Instead, neighbouring parishes and the Sangram Deanery are coordinating emergency assistance under the leadership of Father Athul John, assistant parish priest of Sangram, with support from priests serving surrounding parishes.
The statement also praised local Catholics for responding “with remarkable generosity,” saying they had worked tirelessly to recover whatever could be salvaged from the damaged buildings and to assist affected families.
The Arunachal Pradesh Catholic Association, led by Nabum Pehki, is working with its Kurung Kumey district unit to coordinate local relief efforts.
Bishop monitors crisis remotely
Bishop Benny Varghese Edathattel of Itanagar was away from the diocese on a previously scheduled pastoral commitment when the flood struck but has remained in constant contact with priests, religious sisters, diocesan officials and civil authorities.
According to the statement, the bishop has assured the affected community of his prayers, “spiritual closeness, and the full solidarity of the Diocese during this difficult time.”
The diocese said relief operations will continue through neighbouring parishes until roads reopen, allowing aid to reach the devastated community “in the safest and most effective manner.”
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