WCC News: WCC calls for prayers for disaster survivors across Asia

As recent disasters across Asia have claimed hundreds of lives, displaced millions, and left countless people in urgent need of help, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay called for prayers from the global fellowship, extended condolences to those who have lost loved ones, assured churches in the region of the WCC’s solidarity, and requests organizations that can provide humanitarian assistance to support the affected people and countries.  Flooding in Southern Thailand Photo: CCA 01 December 2025 Across the region, communities are grappling with the impact of ongoing floods, landslides, fires, and typhoons. In Indonesia, floods and landslides in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra have affected thousands of families, killing at least 69 people, with many still missing, and leaving entire communities cut off. In Hong Kong, a massive fire in a high-rise public housing complex in Tai Po district has destroyed seven of eight tower blocks, killing at least 94 people, injuring 76, and leaving many missing. Severe rains and flooding have also affected Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, with at least 98 deaths in Vietnam and tens of thousands of homes submerged; over 19,000 people displaced in Malaysia; and more than 2 million affected in Thailand, including over 80 deaths. Sri Lanka continues to suffer heavy rains and landslides, which have killed 56 people, left 21 missing, and affected nearly 44,000 people. Earlier this month, Typhoon Kalmaegi struck the Philippines, claiming 188 lives, illustrating the ongoing toll of extreme weather across the region. In a statement released on 28 November, Christian Conference of Asia general secretary Dr Mathews George Chunakara expressed solidarity with churches, national ecumenical councils, and partners actively engaged in relief work. “We lift up the bereaved, families awaiting news of missing loved ones, and all those affected, praying for comfort, hope, and protection in these times of deep suffering,” he said. “These disasters, intensified by extreme weather and climate change, remind us of our shared responsibility to care for creation and protect vulnerable communities.” WCC general secretary said, "We grieve with all those affected and hold you in prayer as you cope with loss and long-term recovery,” He added,  “For those responding, for churches serving as shelters, for all those who are caring for their neighbors, we pray for your strength and thank God for your tenacity and support.” Christian Conference of Asia offers prayers and condolences amid widespread loss of life following disasters across Asia See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland