Natural disasters

The Latest

Australian drought.

Catholic school student raises $1 million for Australia's drought affected farmers

Sep 10, 2018

With severe drought conditions continuing to affect farmers in Australia, a fourth grader at a Catholic school has raised more... Read more

Flooding in Manila on Aug. 12, 2018.

Cardinal Tagle: Flood victims can find support in Catholic Church

Aug 14, 2018

Catholic parishes and assistance centers are ready to help victims of storms and major floods in the Manila area, said... Read more

Scenes from shelters in Escuintla, Guatemala, after the Fuego volcano erupted on Sunday, June 3, 2018.

Catholic churches offer relief after Guatemala's deadly volcano eruption

Jun 5, 2018

By Courtney Mares

Three Catholic churches in Guatemala have opened their doors to shelter victims of Sunday’s sudden volcano eruption that devastated villages... Read more

Kilauea volcano in Hawaii, May 5, 2018. Public Domain.

As Hawaii volcano rumbles, Catholic agencies help those in need

May 17, 2018

With ongoing volcanic activity continuing to threaten the area surrounding Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, local Catholics are offering a helping hand... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass in St. Peter's Basilica on September 2, 2015.

Pope prays for victims of devastating Papua New Guinea earthquake

Mar 6, 2018

Pope Francis is praying for all those affected by a major earthquake in Papua New Guinea this week, offering his... Read more

Aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

Knights of Columbus donate $1.4 million for post-hurricane rebuilding

Dec 17, 2017

As Texas and Florida continue to rebuild from a devastating hurricane season, the Knights of Columbus are offering $1.4 million... Read more

Thomas fire in California.

Archbishop Gomez: Find God's voice in the flames

Dec 13, 2017

While fires in southern California continue to threaten thousands of homes, Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles reflected that God... Read more

The Thomas Fire burns on December 8, 2017 in Los Padres National Forest, California.

With prayer and aid, Catholics rally around California wildfire victims

Dec 8, 2017

By Kevin J. Jones

The massive wildfires of California have drawn calls for prayer and assistance from the U.S. bishops, as Catholic Charities affiliates... Read more

Cyclone Ockhi intensifying on December 1, 2017.

Devastating cyclone kills 32 Catholic fishermen off India's coast

Dec 6, 2017

At least 32 Catholic fishermen were killed when a tropical cyclone hit the southern coast of India over the weekend.  Read more

Thomas Aquinas College in Santa Paul.

California wildfire forces evacuation at Thomas Aquinas College

Dec 5, 2017

The fast-spreading flames of a California wildfire reached the borders of the campus of Thomas Aquinas College early this week,... Read more

Residents walk along the bank of the Vivi River near the area where a bridge was washed away on October 20, 2017 in Utuado, Puerto Rico.

How Christians are continuing to help hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico

Nov 14, 2017

Seven weeks after Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico, the majority of the island is still without power, and many... Read more

An aerial view of homes that were destroyed by the Tubbs Fire on October 11, 2017 in Santa Rosa, California.

Pope Francis offers prayer for victims of California wildfires

Oct 13, 2017

By Elise Harris

With more than 20 deaths caused by the various wildfires devouring swaths of California, Pope Francis on Friday sent a... Read more

Destroyed church in Marigot, Saint Martin days after this Caribbean island sustained extensive damage after the passing of Hurricane Irma on September 12, 2017.

Religious leaders are fed up with discrimination against churches in disaster aid

Sep 30, 2017

Federal disaster relief policy denies repair and reconstruction assistance to houses of worship – and that needs to change, the... Read more

A Puerto Rico National Guard Soldier helps a couple after Hurricane Maria. Photo by Sgt. Jose Ahiram Diaz-Ramos PRNG-PAO.

Puerto Rican bishops offer message of hope after hurricanes

Sep 29, 2017

The Puerto Rican bishops’ conference issued a message of hope to Puerto Ricans after Hurricanes Irma and Maria destroyed much... Read more

Rescuers work in the rubble after a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck on Sept. 19, 2017 in Mexico City, Mexico.

Mexico City archdiocese offers free medical care for earthquake victims

Sep 26, 2017

In the wake of last week’s devastating earthquake, the Archdiocese of Mexico City has announced that anyone needing medical care... Read more

Pope Francis gives the Wednesday general audience in St. Peter's Square on October 2, 2013.

Pope Francis prays for victims of Mexico earthquake

Sep 8, 2017

Following Mass during his five-day trip to Colombia, Pope Francis on Friday offered prayers for those affected by a major... Read more

Suomi NPP VIIRS satellite view of Hurricane Irma.

Catholics pray, prepare as Hurricane Irma looms

Sep 7, 2017

As Hurricane Irma moves through the Atlantic – one of the strongest storms ever recorded in that ocean – Catholic... Read more

An aerial view of damage caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Knights of Columbus take action to aid Hurricane Harvey victims

Sep 5, 2017

Local Knights of Columbus councils have taken action after the passage of Hurricane Harvey, rescuing survivors by boat and providing... Read more

Hurricane Harvey victims.

God is present, Cardinal DiNardo tells Hurricane Harvey victims

Sep 5, 2017

Amid the immense devastation left behind in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of Galveston-Houston assured the people... Read more

Pope Francis celebrates Mass at Guayaquil in Ecuador on July 6, 2015.

Pope Francis sends condolences to victims of Hurricane Harvey

Aug 31, 2017

By Elise Harris

On Thursday, Pope Francis voiced his sympathy to those suffering from the effects of Hurricane Harvey, offering prayers for the... Read more