Central Africa flooding forces nearly 200,000 from their homes

Zambezi River, Central Africa
Thursday, January 24, 2008
As the rainy season in Central Africa continues, the countries located along the Zambezi River—Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia—face increasing rainfall and rising riverbanks. Major news sources report that 45 people have died due to the flooding, and tens of thousands have been displaced. The current flooding compounds an already existing hardship since many people in Mozambique were displaced due to flooding last year. Authorities anticipate that this year’s flooding will be worse than the flooding of 2001. As the rising river threatens resettlement camps in Mozambique, the police and army have forcibly evacuated 65,000 people bringing the total of displaced people to 170,000. In Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique, homes and crops have been destroyed creating a crisis that will continue far after the water recedes. These countries also face damage to infrastructure, including roads, making it difficult to transport much needed goods such as food to those who are seeking refuge from the water.Members and leaders in the Church of the Nazarene are currently assessing the situation in each of these Central African countries to find ways for the church to partner with local organizations to meet immediate and long-term needs . “We must continue to pray for those who are losing both life and property in yet another flood,” World Mission Director Louie E. Bustle said. “We must remember they are fellow members of the Body of Christ.”Persons and churches wishing to make a donation can do so online at ncm.org, or they may mark their checks “Zambezi River FLood Relief ACM1501” and mail them to Global Treasury Services, 6401 The Paseo, Kansas City, MO 64131. In Canada, checks should be made payable and sent to the Church of the Nazarene Canada, 20 Regan Road, Unit 9, Brampton, Ontario L7A 1C3.--NCM