CATASTROPHIC FLOODING HAS OCCURRED IN EAST AFRICA 2024

CATASTROPHIC FLOODING HAS OCCURRED IN EAST AFRICA AND LUHOMBERO WAS NOT SPARED.

Over 150 people have died in the floods in Tanzania and the “once in a century” rains continue to fall.

Over the past weeks, the torrential rain has fallen heavily over Luhombero. It has caused widespread flooding, loss of food crops, destruction of homes and now, illness in the village.

The village dispensary is primitive to say the least, and people are beginning to suffer from diarrhea, stomach ailments, malaria is back, and hunger is stalking the village lanes.

The village truck needs maintenance and repair, houses need repair. While cities and large towns will receive aid relatively quickly, Luhombero, being far down a terrible back road will be one of the the last to be helped. The loss of their food crops is catastrophic.

As you can see, their lives are presently devastated. Their need is very great. If you could see your way to donating toward the village, please do so here.

These videos are even more shocking.

Flooding in the village.

Turn your sound down before listening to this

Hopefully the water will rise no further and damage the new “flood resistant” school which they worked so hard to build.

Every little bit helps; every dollar goes a long way in Tanzania. If you are able, please donate to help Luhombero.

Luhombero is the poorest and most remote parish in the Mahenge Diocese of western Tanzania. It lacks electricity, potable water, indoor plumbing, internet, policing, medical equipment, medicine and economic diversification.

Working in the fields

Here is brief video of villagers helping with the harvest.

In this video, they are growing seedlings that will be transplanted later, into the fields.

In this video, Father Placid shows us the fields and the crops that are made possible by your generous donations. The village now enjoys food security, which they did not have before.

The rains are late

Young corn growing.
Probably no harvest because the rains are late

This year the lack of rain has made it very difficult for the people.

Crops, for instance maize, were planted but now are greatly affected as shown in this attached photo. This is the period normally people start eating fresh maize, rice, groundnuts, etc. This year none of them are ready to harvest. The picture shows maize plants that are not in a good state. They have retarded growth and likely there is no hope of harvesting anything out of them

“So we have a very special guest of honour in our homes this year. His name is Hunger,” said Father Placid.

Let us hope and pray that the rains continue and that some of the crops ripen soon for the people of Luhombero.