New Delhi, July 13, 2026:
St. Thomas Parish at Parsiparlo in the Diocese of Itanagar suffered extensive damage after flash floods struck the area in the early hours of Monday, inundating the parish church, presbytery, convent, school and teachers' quarters.
Speaking over the phone, Parish Priest Fr. Naveen Kumar Madanu recounted the dramatic events of the early morning. At around 2:00 a.m., Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Krupakumar Molugumati received a phone call from assistant catechist Mr. Bake Charchand, warning that the rising waters could pose a serious threat. By the time the message reached the parish priest, he had already awakened after noticing an unusual smell and sensing that something was wrong.
The priests, along with Fr. Athul, a visiting priest from a neighbouring parish, immediately rushed outside and alerted the four FCC Sisters of the Bharananganam Province, Kerala, whose convent is situated on slightly elevated wooden structures. Teachers residing on the campus were also informed, allowing everyone to evacuate safely before the floodwaters engulfed the premises. According to the Diocese of Itanagar, the Blessed Sacrament was reverently moved to safety before the church was inundated.
St. Thomas Parish is served by Parish Priest Fr. Naveen Kumar Madanu, Assistant Parish Priest Fr. Krupakumar Molugumati, and four FCC Sisters of the Bharananganam Province. The parish is well known as a mission centre that regularly welcomes priests, religious and volunteers for mission exposure programmes.
Located about 270 kilometres from Itanagar, the parish is an eight- to nine-hour journey from the diocesan headquarters due to the challenging terrain.
The new parish church at Parsiparlo, currently under construction, is scheduled to be inaugurated on 20 December 2026. While the new church remains under construction, the flash floods on Monday morning wreaked havoc, causing extensive damage to the existing parish infrastructure, school and teachers' quarters.
The flash floods were reportedly triggered by torrential rains that lashed the region overnight, accompanied by landslides in several areas. The resulting surge caused the Kumey River to swell to unusually high and dangerous levels, sending floodwaters into Parsiparlo and surrounding settlements.
According to a communiqué issued by the Diocese of Itanagar, Bishop Benny Varghese who is away on a previously scheduled pastoral engagement, is closely monitoring the situation and remains in constant contact with the parish. The Diocese has assured the affected community of the Bishop's prayers and pastoral support during this difficult time.
Responding to the Bishop's appeal for prayers, Mr. Stephen Tok remarked that the parish is ordinarily situated at a safe distance from the Kumey River and at a higher elevation, making the flooding all the more unexpected. "May the damage be minimised under the care of Lord Jesus," he prayed. Another well-wisher, Mr. Majeng, expressed his profound sadness over the devastation suffered by the parish and assured the community of his prayers.
Meanwhile, a situation report attributed to the Superintendent of Police of Kurung Kumey stated that at around 4:30 a.m. the Kumey River rose rapidly, inundating Parsiparlo township. The report noted that two bamboo (katcha) churches were damaged, several houses were partially inundated, and the Bailey Bridge connecting Damin and Huri was washed away, temporarily cutting off road connectivity. Although the floodwaters later receded and no loss of life was reported, the damage to public infrastructure and residential properties has been significant.
The history of the parish dates back to the missionary efforts of Fr. Paul Mate, who first visited the area as a deacon and later returned as a priest. The parish was formally established in 2019, with Fr. Xavier Mushahary serving as its first parish priest. Over the years, the mission has been served by Fr. Jipson Jose and Fr. Joseph Thouthang, followed by Fr. Joseph Thouthang and Fr. Augustine Malangmai, and is presently entrusted to Fr. Naveen Kumar Madanu and Fr. Krupakumar Molugumati.
According to Fr. Naveen, the priests will temporarily stay with parishioners until the presbytery becomes habitable. The sisters and teachers are expected to be accommodated in government quarters during the restoration period.
No casualties have been reported. The local Church has appealed for prayers and support as the parish begins the task of recovery and rebuilding.