Seoul: South Korea's religious communities have offered condolences to the victims of the catastrophic flash floods and landslides in Nepal. According to Yonhap News Agency, the Association of Korean Buddhist Orders, which represents 28 orders of Korean Buddhism, including Jogye, Taego, and Cheontae, expressed deep sorrow for those who lost their lives and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Nepal. They highlighted Nepal's significance as the home of Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, and acknowledged the longstanding ties between Nepal and South Korea's Buddhist community.
Protestant organizations in South Korea also conveyed their sympathies. The United Christian Churches of Korea, an organization representing Protestant churches, issued a statement mourning the loss of lives and expressing sympathies to those who lost family members and homes. The organization mentioned consultations with missionaries in nearby areas and its intentions to work with them and the local Korean community to support restoration efforts.
Similarly, the National Council of Churches in Korea, another Protestant umbrella organization, issued a statement of condolences to the victims and raised concerns about climate warming. The Catholic community in South Korea also expressed condolences and pledged participation in relief efforts for the affected regions in Nepal.