STORM CREATES HAVOC

When it comes to rain, Namibia seems to have the south with too little and the north with too much. In the North rains and the Okavango River, which over night at 8, 67 meter reached its highest level in 41 years yearly causes havoc. Just look at these rainfall figures of the past 24 hours at various towns in the north: Oshakati 77, 8 mm, Odibo 50, 0 mm, Eenhana 38, 5 mm, Ulupumbu 36, 2 mm, Ekamba 32, 4 mm, Tsandi 28, 4 mm.

Please pray for these poor people whose lives are being disrupted as they are pushed out of their homes to several tent camps and children who can not go to school. In the Caprivi region there are now 10 500 people in 19 temporary emergency camps.

Intercede for the local authorities and the Red Cross for wisdom to assist those in need. Pray for family lives to be restored. Trust God for more permanent solutions for the flood problem. Pray that people will come forward to be a blessing to the flood victims.

Source and photo: http://www.republikein.com.na

Ideal conditions for Malaria

MALARIA continues to take lives and remains a major public health issue, said Health Minister Dr Richard Kamwi at a World Malaria Day commemorative event at Ruacana last Friday. From November last year to March this year more than 3500 case were reported and 135 people died of malaria.

Kamwi called on people to protect themselves against mosquito bites, by using insecticide-treated nets for example, and to inform themselves about malaria prevention and treatment. Kamwi said the recent flooding in the north of the country has created ideal conditions for the breeding of malaria-carrying mosquitoes. Malaria is a leading cause of death among children under five and expecting mothers.
News sources http://www.namibian.com.na & http://www.republikein.com.na

Heavenly father, we appreciate and acknowledge you as protector, healer and Saviour. We realise that you sent your Son, Jesus Christ, into the world as a sign that you dwell among us and to forgive us of our sins. We remember all persons living with malaria and pray for their healing.

We pray for those who live in areas that are prone to this disease and that central government, local authorities and citizens will cooperate to make their environment safe. We beseech you, Lord, to make us more conscious of the things that can be done to prevent the spread of malaria, and what to do when we have contracted it. We pray that health workers working in countries where malaria is prevalent are protected. And for those working to find a cure, protect people from the disease or ease the suffering of those who are ill, be with them we pray.

For those who live in fear of malaria, grant them stillness of the mind. For the millions worldwide who suffer from this disease we pray for healing.

In Jesus Name
Source of prayer: http://communities.faithstreams.com

Zambezi highest in 40 years

The Zambezi River rose by three centimetres yesterday and reached an alarming height of 7,82 metres at Katima Mulilo in the afternoon – the second highest level in 40 years.

I was wondering, who is doing what to help these poor and displaced people. It is all happening so far from us in the capitol city, Windhoek. Katima Mulilo is about 1210km (752 miles) from us.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba flew to the Caprivi Region yesterday again to assess the flood damage after an earlier visit a few weeks ago to the region.

My search found only one organization who are reaching out to help. I do believe, on the ground there are many others.

The Namibia Red Cross Society (NCRS), has appealed for donations to help flood victims in northern Namibia, but could not give more details about the humanitarian situation in the Caprivi Region. Governor Mwilima accompanied President Pohamba on a helicopter flight over the flood-stricken Caprivi Region yesterday. They will make the situation known.

The Namibian Red Cross Society however called for help. If you want to contribute funds, goods or volunteer assistance, kindly contact the Namibia Red Cross Society at 2128 Independence Avenue, Katutura, Windhoek, Namibia. Telephone: 264 61 235 226 E-mail: enquiries@redcross.org.na Web http://www.redcross.org.na/

Please remember the people of the north in your prayers. And pray for those who are doing what they can to help. Pray for their safety, their health, and for their well-being. Also, please pray about what God would have you do. Thank God for His Mercy, His Grace, and His Tender and Ever Present and Ever Faithful Love.

Source: News and photo from http://www.namibian.com.na/news-articles/top-stories/

Efundja causing a crisis!

Thousands of children in the north of Namibia are unable to go to school because of the seasonal floodwater (locally known as Efundja) and flooded pans (oshanas). 267 of the 811 schools in the Omusati-, Oshana-, Ohangwena- en Oshikoto- regions had to close.

Mr. André Struwig, of the Oshikoto Education Department painted a sad picture where deep waters made it impossible for children and teachers to safely reach their schools. Many schools will be closed for a "flood-holiday" and only re-open on April 6. Hundreds of homesteads have been flooded and villagers have been cut off from towns. Gravel roads and bridges have been damaged, pensioners are unable to get to pay points and the distribution of food aid has been brought to a halt in some areas.

President Hifikepunye Pohamba flew to the North to see how the heavy rains have affected people.

Sources: http://www.republikein.com.na & http://www.namibian.com.na The photo is from my collection from the 2008 flood.

Please pray for the effected people and areas and for:

• the protection of lives.
• wisdom how to address the challenges of the flood.
• flood aid to reach the victims.
• the necessary finances for the repair of the infrastructure.
• open hearts and hands to send help to the effected areas.