Severe flooding
19 March
[Left] Noreen’s mattress, drying on the roof. [Right] Juliet’s clothes were ruined and needed to be thrown away.
The rainy season has arrived in Kampala. Many of the families are vulnerable to flooding. We have received many photos of flooding within homes, belongings bagged up, and beds barely above the waters.
As the flood waters arose, families were awakened in the small hours. We praise God that no one was electrocuted. Many made their way to the Karis offices, where the team provided them with emergency support.
10 families lost their February food allowance. Beans and rice were ruined by the flood water, which mixes with open sewage contaminating any food it touches.
The flooding, high water table, and weakened walls led to the collapse of the toilet block at Community Primary School, Kalerwe (where many Karis children are educated). This block used to be a pit latrine but was converted to 6 proper toilets that serviced over 300 children at the school. At the time of the collapse, a cleaner was present and was hurt. We praise God she was not seriously injured.
[Left] Newly acquired toilet block. [Right] The collapse of the latrine at the school.
St Nicholas Church Kalerwe have secured a plot of land nearby that has a toilet block. The Diocese of Kampala has also pledged to raise funds for its connection to the nearest major sewer. We thank Rev Brian Wakelin and Christ Church Winchester for their swift response and contributions supporting this initiative.
We are grateful for the donations that have already come in. This money has been sent to Kampala so that it may be used immediately to help the families affected by the flooding. If you are able to help, you can respond below through giving, prayer, or both.
Pray with us
We give thanks…
for the generous and practical responses to the flooding.
that no one was electrocuted.
that the cleaner of the toilets was not more seriously hurt.
Please pray for…
families affected by the flooding — for their health and resources.
the Karis Team — who work diligently to support them in response.
the continued healing of the cleaner who was hurt by the collapse of the toilets
Or give through your bank:
Sort code: 40 52 40 Account: 00020159
Name: Karis Kids Bank: CAF Bank Ltd Ref: Flooding
Jemma’s house floor.
[Left] Molly’s children’s school books were ruined. [Right] Edith sells bananas. Many clusters were carried away in the flood waters. What remained was ruined.
17 April Update
The situation with our Karis families remains somewhat overwhelming. Happily Edith and Molly have their businesses back up and running and the February food delivery has been replaced.
The Kampala team have been busy procuring replacement mattresses and bedding. However, where homes are still flooded, there is nowhere to place these items as most of the rooms are fully packed with other household goods and half wet bedding waiting to dry out.
We thank the team for all their hard work and pray for resolution quickly.
Clogged water channels in the community
[LEFT] Inside Ruth’s house. [RIGHT] Inside Gemma’s house where water remains ankle deep.