Pope Francis prays for Malawi flood survivors

Pope Francis has assured of his prayers for victims of floods in Malawi as at least 200 people are reported killed and tens of thousands evacuated in what has been branded the worst flooding on record in the southern African nation.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church said expressed his closeness to those who are living moments of anguish and adversity

Following President Peter Mutharika’s declaration on January 13, 2015 that 15 districts in the country are disaster areas, His Holiness Pope Francis through the office of Apostolic Nunciature in Malawi conveyed a solidarity message to the people of Malawi through His Grace, Archbishop Thomas Msusa, Vice President of the Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM).

“His Holiness Pope Francis, informed of the tragic consequence of the heavy rains in Malawi, has asked to convey his close and solidarity to you and the Catholic faithful, and all the beloved people of Malawi,” Cardinal Pietro Parolin, said in a statement.

According to the statement, His Holiness assures Malawi  of his prayers for the victims, their families and all affected by the catastrophe.

Pope Francis encouraged civil and ecclesiastical institutions as well as all people of good will, to provide in a spirit of charity and Christian solidarity the necessary help those who have lost their homes or personal belongings.

“The Holy Father invokes God’s blessings of strength and perseverance upon those engaged in the massive work of relief, and he expresses his fervent hope that the International community will respond generously and effectively to the needs of the suffering,” reads the statement.

The Pope statement finished with him imparting his apostolic blessing

Apart from killing about 200 people, the floods have also displaced at least 200,000 others, left homes and schools submerged in water and roads washed away by the deluge.