Rains cause flooding

I received this information from United Methodist sources regarding the rains in Southern Africa. You will note that Zambia is mentioned in the article as having declared a national disaster due to flooding. I haven't spoken here about the torrential rains we have been experienceing, but they are more than gully-washers. They are simply the heaviest and longest periods of rain we have ever seen. We hear them on our tin roof, especially at night. As rivers flood, roads become impassable, mosquitos flourish, we know that even a good thing like rain can be a problem in its excess. Remember those affected by the rains.

Heavy Rains Displace Thousands in Southern Africa

Torrential rains that began Christmas Day in Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe continue to force thousands from their homes in southern Africa, according to UM leaders in those areas. Flooding in Mozambique has particularly affected UM churches in Chemba, Buzi, Save, and Nova Mambone.
The UM Committee for Relief (UMCOR) is working with Action by Churches Together and the Mozambique UMC to assess needs and develop a plan of action. UMCOR will address the immediate humanitarian concerns as well as long-term recovery needs.
Urgent support is needed for the communities of Buzi, Chemba, Caia, and Machanga where many UMs live, according to the Rev. Jacob Jenhuro, director of the North Mozambique Conference Council on Ministries. Jenhuro said the government of the Sofala Province reported that 1,843 were evacuated in Buzui, 4,000 in Chemba,
2,313 in Caia, and 1,055 in Machanga.
“There are still reports of torrential rains in our neighboring countries,” said Ezequiel Nhantumbo, a representative of the UM Mozambique Initiative, an outreach of the Missouri Annual Conference. “Zambia, a country sharing the same Zambezi River, has declared national disaster due to floods. This river will still pump a lot more water downstream, worsening the already deteriorated situation of the people of Sofala, TeTe, and Zambezia provinces,” he added.
To aid emergency relief efforts, contributions can be made to “Mozambique Emergency,” UMCOR Advance #156500. –– A UMNS report, information supplied by the United Methodist Missouri Mozambique Initiative, UMCOR, and the Rev. Jacob Jenhuro
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