The normally arid region of the Gwembe Valley (Zambia) has recently been hit by massive flooding that has devastated the region surrounding the town of Maamba where H.E.L.P. International is involved in several projects. Flooding has created dangerous situations for civilians living in the region. The already poverty-stricken region has lost the majority of its hope for a good harvest, and many people have been left homeless or cut off from their family members as the only bridge in the area was swept away.
January 31, 2008
Ma Bru,
How are you and the family at large? I pray that the Lord will forever be your shield against every storm.
We have been cut off again from the rest of the country. A bridge was washed away yesterday, about 400m from the security boom at Sinazeze on the way to Choma. The gulley that has been cut there is wider than the bridge at the hospital in Maamba. At one point that looked narrower, the people cut a tree which fell almost right across the river. A few managed to cross at this crossing. Within minutes, one boy who was just about three steps unto the fallen-tree was swept away as we all watched . Thank God, the river had a bend not far from the crossing point, and here he was swept to the bank and managed to take hold of some dangling root, and then he was rescued.
It was such a heart breaking situation as I watched children crying for their parents across the river, but there was no way to get to them.
Many families have been left homeless and without any harvest to look forward to. The fields have been flattened by the floods. The people will go through this season by depending on handouts. Our leaders along the Valley have also been affected because they also have fields along the river banks. I may not be very far from the truth to say that this year will experience the worst hunger situation. Please remember us in your prayers.
A number of schools have not yet opened since most students can't access them. On the other hand, many schools have had to be used to accomodate flood victims. The situation is desperate.
Many areas along the lake are only accessible by boat. Many fishermen have become the lifeline for many families as they are the only ones who can deliver food and medicine to them.
Government resources are stretched, because the floods are in many parts of the country.
I have not been able to reach any of our churches beyond Mweemba due to flooded rivers. I have sent you some photos and I hope you will be able to see something.
Best regards,
Pastor Roy
Please join with us in praying for the people of the Gwembe Valley region as well as for Pastor Roy and the other regional leaders as they provide care and support for people in and around the town of Maamba and throughout the valley.
