Pope prays for victims of Liberia mudslide

By Linda Bordoni

Pope Francis has expressed deep sorrow to learn of the injury and loss of life caused by a mudslide in Gbanipea, Liberia, and has assured his prayers for all those affected.

In a telegramme signed on the Pope’s behalf by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Pope said he is close to all who are affected by the tragedy.

He said he is praying for those who mourn the loss of their loved ones and for the emergency personnel who assist the victims.

Liberian President George Weah declared last Monday a day of national mourning after more than 40 people were killed in the mudslide at an alleged illegal mine in the north of the country.

The national disaster management agency has been searching for survivors since the incident in Nimba County last weekend, and authorities said the region is inaccessible and getting the necessary equipment there is posing a challenge.

The president also declared the region a national disaster zone and ordered authorities to isolate the area, provide security and prevent illicit mining.