Church express grief over loss of lives in northeast quake

The Church has expressed grief over the loss of lives as a result of a massive earthquake that struck large parts of northeast India on Sunday.

The 6.9-magnitude quake struck the border of India's northeastern state of Sikkim and Nepal, leaving at least 130 dead and hundreds others injured.

The National Council of Churches in India expressed solidarity with the people affected by the earthquake and prayed for their speedy recovery.

An umbrella body representing the Protestant and Orthodox churches, the council called upon churches to pray for the bereaved and affected as well as support the relief work.

"Natural calamities are occurrences that can't be prevented; nevertheless faith enables us to rebuild life and communities in the wake of such painful catastrophes," said Samuel Jayakumar, secretary of Commission on Policy, Governance.

"As we express our sympathies, we also call upon development agencies to speed up relief work and extend all possible help to the affected people," he added.

The area of Mangan in North Sikkim was said to be the worst hit. There were also reports of landslides following the earthquake in areas around Sikkim and Darjeeling.

While the death toll currently stood at 130, official sources said the casualty figures are expected to rise. Over 5,000 people are reportedly involved in the rescue operations even as rain and fog are severely hampering the efforts.

Several churches led by Gospel for Asia-supported missionaries were also destroyed in the quake.

"We have literally hundreds of missionaries serving throughout this area, as well as dozens of Bridge of Hope centers," Yohannan said. "The earthquake cut off electricity and took out the normal communications channels, so we don't know the full extent of the damage."

Gospel for Asia's Compassion Services teams are gearing up to bring emergency humanitarian relief to the affected.

"The people who suffered through this quake are desperate for help and for a sympathetic ear. Our Compassion Services teams will give them the practical things they need, like food and blankets. They will also pray with them and offer the hope of God's love. The teams are committed to working in this area for as long as it takes to bring complete restoration," Yohannan said.

Media reported that Sunday's quake damaged over 100,000 houses in the Sikkim-Nepal border. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs two lakh for the kin of those killed in the quake and Rs one lakh for those injured.