Flood Evac
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Over the last couple of weeks, many of Lusaka’s compounds (townships) have been swamped with water. The situation has grown worse with unprecedented rain in the area. Some are saying that Lusaka hasn’t had this much rain since late in the 70′s. Hundreds of people have already been evacuated from their homes that are now submerged.
The area that we live in Lusaka is also experiencing flooding… and things are getting worse. Within the several acre plot that we live, our rental home is the lowest and water has been rising at an alarming rate. Just a week ago, things were looking swampy, but today water is covering our front patio and touching our front step. This morning we awoke to the terrible stench of sewage. Wading through the now green stagnant water around our house, I discovered that several houses (including ours) which share a central sewage are now backed up. The ground is completely saturated and the septic tank soak away is no longer working.
We are now very concerned because raw sewage is bubbling up out of our septic line, not allowing us to take showers or flush the toilet. The swamped water around our house has now been contaminated and there are concerns that there may soon be surface water contamination of our well. Mosquitos are breeding by the thousands and industrial run-off from further up the road is now slowly making its way to our backyard. A public health “official” visited our home this afternoon unbenownst to us, and apparently “condemned the premises as a disaster area”. So far, the water hasn’t entered our home but if it does, we’ll have to empty our house of everything. We’re not sure how high the water will come, but we do know that it is unsafe for us to keep our kids here under these conditions. Cholera could become a problem, but the biggest concern is us tracking ecoli into the house, where Ian and Ireen play.
Please pray for us. The situation is changing by the hour. We are trusting that the Lord will accomplish something good from this situation, but meanwhile the smell and concern for health is unsettling. Tomorrow we will be moving out of our home to a small one-bedroom flat down the lane. We don’t know how much longer the waters will rise nor how long it will take for them to subside. But according to onlookers, the area where we live is so saturated they say we could be in this for more than a month.
We’ll be praying about this situation. Pass greetings to A,I, and I.
Dang!!! The rainy seasons Derek and I experienced were during the drought period, so we hardly saw any rain while we were there. Boy, I would be surprised if cholera doesn’t become an issue in Lusaka by the looks of how much rain and flooding you’re having. I get WHO’s weekly updates and will be on the look-out for Zambia and cholera threats.
When do Mama and Papa Hilty arrive? We’ll be praying that God will let the sun shine down on Lusaka and dry it up and that you won’t have to empty your house and also for abundant grace to deal with all of these unplanned situations.
Wow, we’re praying for you all. And for your time with Mama & Papa as they visit. I just read this passage in Isaiah 43 and thought of you and of God’s care for you in His perfect knowledge of your situation. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.”
We will be praying for you and the other residents of Lusaka. Praying for God’s very best for your family!
Hi Tim & Andrea, your mom called us on their way into Chicago with the news about the flooding and having to evacuate your home. How disappointing – everything looks so nice and ready for company, and now it seems you won’t be able to enjoy it with your family. But we do trust that you will still enjoy “Mama & Papa,” even if not in your own home. May you find inward renewal day by day.
Wow. What a drag. Prayin’ for your safety and quick resolution to the mess. Hope your time with your folks is a blessing despite the hassles. Love you guys!