October -- Floods in Soroti

We shifted into 4-wheel drive as splashed through the water. The main highway connecting Soroti to the outside world had been underwater for two weeks already. As a result, we were forced to follow the old route - a gravel road that added an hour and a half to the last 40 minutes of our trip. We cautiously approached the bridge, whose side rails were now the only thing visible since water had swallowed the bridge’s main structure and surface by eight inches. Surprisingly, we were thankful to be in this situation. A week earlier we had been warned, “You will get out, but you will not get back in.” “Out” was Kampala, where we had to bring Mandy’s parents so they could return to Michigan. “In” was Soroti, our home, our work, our friends. Now, six days since we heard that warning, police directed traffic over the flooded, one-lane bridge.
As we drove on, we passed mile after mile of flood water. Fishing nets were spread where dry grass normally existed. Herds of cows grazed in water up to their bellies (certainly learning to eat new foods). Grouse raced along the road, driven away from their normal habitat. Houses looked like small islands, mud circles in the midst of water. In a few places, water flowed over the road. This is dry season?
During a time of year which is supposed to be dry, torrential rains have pounded much of Teso, the region where we live. The result has been widespread flooding. The area around Soroti is quite hilly therefore, the extra water gathers in low lying areas and swamps. Only few fields in lower areas have been destroyed. However, the eastern part of Teso is flat. In that large area, much like the description above, water is everywhere. As water continues to rise, people’s suffering increases.
As a family we discussed how this flooding might affect us. We won’t be able to leave Soroti for quite a while. We will have to pay higher prices for food, fuel, gas for the generator (for pretty much everything). A shortage of supplies may happen. We might have increased problems with power outages. Mandy said she does not like feeling “trapped,” not having a road out of the area. Josh probably won’t be able to begin the leadership training course in Otuboi until 2008. These certainly are inconveniences, but we can deal with them.
The people of Teso will be the ones who truly suffer. Already 23 people have died in the flood waters. Although accurate figures are difficult to find, it seems quite certain that more than 200,000 people have been forced to flee from their homes. The local newspaper reported that 124 schools failed to open after the summer holiday, either because they were under water or because displaced people were living in the classrooms. Pit latrines are common in Uganda; therefore, the flood has virtually eliminated any safe drinking water in that whole area. Cholera outbreaks begin about six weeks after flooding begins (that would be next week), which could greatly increase the death toll. Malaria, the number one killer in the world, has doubled in flooded regions. People’s fields have been underwater for over a month, wiping out the coming year’s food supply.
During a time like this, it is difficult to know how to pray. We certainly pray that God will spare people the predicted cholera outbreak. Although we need the water to recede, rain is still needed (in areas which are not under water) so crops can grow. Outside agencies are trying to help. The Red Cross, World Vision, UN’s World Food Program are all visible here in Soroti. Although the problems are vast, we also pray that local churches will do what they can to show the love of Christ during this time. We have been gently encouraging our local church to select one flooded village where we can help. Please join us in praying for the people affected by the floods here in Teso.
We don’t know what is going to happen, we never thought the floods would become this bad. We will try to keep you informed and you can read more about the flooding on BBC website. Thank you for remembering us and praying for the many people suffering in Northeast Uganda.