When disaster strikes

The lives of millions of people around our world have been affected by natural disasters and extreme weather events including earthquakes, floods and tropical storms. In the past few months, by the grace of God, Barnabas Aid has been able to respond to disasters in Colombia, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines and Venezuela.

National day of mourning for Nepal floods

On 7 September, the people of Nepal held a national day of mourning for those who lost their lives in the devastating flash flood that struck 12 days earlier.

The flood – a wall of water and debris travelling at more than 100mph – swept away all before it along a 45-mile stretch of the Trishuli River.

More than 1,300 deaths have been confirmed. Sadly, the final total is likely to be far higher, as around 5,500 people remain missing. An estimated 93,000 people were impacted in some way by the catastrophe, including those left homeless.

Natural disasters in 2026

The tragedy in Nepal is only one example of the natural disasters that have affected different regions of our world so far in 2026.

Hundreds lost their lives as earthquakes struck, in turn, the Philippines, Colombia and Indonesia in mid-2026.

Read more: Please help disaster-affected Christian communities in Nepal

In Venezuela alone, more than 6,500 people died and nearly a quarter of a million were injured in the double earthquake that devastated the central and north-western regions of the country on 24 June. 

In mid-July, floods in the Greater Chittagong region of Bangladesh displaced 800,000 people from their homes and claimed the lives of more than 50.

How does Barnabas Aid respond to natural disasters?

Thanks to the help of our generous supporters, and by the grace of God, Barnabas Aid has been able to act quickly to help Christian communities affected by all these disasters.

Among the most pressing needs in a disaster zone are clean drinking water, temporary shelter, food and medical supplies. Through project partners on the ground, Barnabas is working to supply these urgently needed items to our brothers and sisters.

Natural disasters do not discriminate. In some contexts, however, Christians are a persecuted minority within the majority culture, a status that places them at a disadvantage when disaster strikes.

In the worst case, believers may even be denied aid that is distributed to other communities.

Barnabas Aid’s mission is to help suffering Christians, but especially those who, because of persecution and discrimination, may have no other earthly source of help.

Faith-filled resilience in the disaster zone 

The faithfulness and resilience of our brothers and sisters, even in the midst of disaster, can serve as an encouragement to all of us in our walk with Christ.

Pastor Bako is just one example. Our brother serves a church in an earthquake-affected region of Indonesia. For two years the congregation laboured to construct their own church building, which was finally opened for worship in September 2025.

Read more: Please support Christians after devastating earthquake hits Indonesia

Less than 12 months later, the building lay in ruins.

“From a human perspective, we were deeply saddened and confused,” says Pastor Bako. “We asked ourselves, ‘God, what is Your purpose in all of this?’”

“Seeing everything we had built with so much effort and sacrifice destroyed in an instant was extremely difficult,” he continued. “Yet, as a pastor, I have chosen to continue trusting Him.

“The church building may have fallen, but our faith in God remains standing. We believe that God will lead us through this difficult season and provide a way for restoration.”

How you can respond

Without doubt, the best way to respond is in prayer. Pray for our brothers and sisters left bereaved, injured, displaced and in desperate need after natural disasters. Indeed, pray for all those adversely affected by disasters and for the success of all rescue and relief efforts.

If the Lord moves you, you can also give to support the work of relief and aid distribution.

Sadly, we know that disasters will continue in the months and years ahead, and for however long this age continues (Matthew 24:7-8).

You can help today by donating towards Barnabas Aid’s Disaster Relief Fund (00-634). This enables us to stand ready to support our brothers and sisters in their time of desperate need.

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