As the death toll from Nepal’s floods exceeds 900 people and the number of missing sits at more than 4,400 people, narratives are starting to emerge about the lives that got swept away.

In addition to the horrific loss of life, the floods have also affected churches in the region of Nepal. An International Christian Concern (ICC) staffer in the region said church buildings have been swept away or partially damaged, and numerous Christians, including pastors, are missing.

“Local church leaders are facing severe communication challenges. Electricity, mobile networks, internet connectivity, and road access have been disrupted, making it extremely difficult to gather accurate information,” the ICC staffer said. “It may take several more days to assess the full extent of damage and loss. We as a ministry are keeping a close eye on the situation, looking to assist and bring emergency relief to families affected by the floods.”

The Nepali Christian Churches UK (NCCUK) recently told Premier Christian News that churches in Rasuwa and Nuwakot have suffered significant losses, including dozens dead and even more missing. Multiple church buildings have also been damaged, including Naw Jyoti Baptist Church in Nuwakot. As with other preliminary numbers, these figures are expected to rise.

A History of Persecution

Nepal’s Christian population is growing. More than 512,000 believers were counted in the country’s 2021 census — roughly 136,000 more than the previous decade. With this growth comes more persecution.

According to Christian leaders in Nepal, increasing Hindu nationalism seeks both to reinforce Nepal’s identity as a Hindu nation and to suppress Christian growth. Christian converts, especially those who leave Hinduism, often endure severe social consequences.

Recent years have seen growing concern over attacks on churches, arrests of pastors, and the use of blasphemy and anti-conversion laws against Christians. Hindu nationalist groups have become more active, and some reports suggest that political and ideological influences from neighboring India have strengthened anti-Christian sentiment in Nepal.

Christians in Nepal have expressed growing apprehension after a delegation of Hindu religious leaders recently met with the government and demanded that Nepal be declared a Hindu nation.

These concerns intensified following communal violence on July 26 in the Sunsari district of the Tarai region in Eastern Nepal, which resulted in at least three deaths and several serious injuries.

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