Devastating floods hit the Central African Republic

Heavy rains have hit the Central African Republic (CAR), bringing devastating flooding to a country already impacted by extreme poverty.

It’s estimated that 57,000 people have already been affected by what is rapidly becoming a humanitarian crisis.

The Ubangi River has burst its banks close to the capital city, Bangui, and in other areas of the country. More than 10,000 homes have been destroyed and more than 1,000 wells are flooded across the nation, cutting access to essential safe water supplies.

More than 57,000 people have taken refuge in schools, churches and community centres, losing all their belongings as they ran for their lives.

Taken by surprise
Among those areas affected are some of those featured in Tearfund's 2018 UK Aid Match Appeal. So far 500 of the people we work with and their families have fled their homes, which have been completely destroyed by the floods. The full impact of the floods on Tearfund’s projects is still being assessed.

The conflict in CAR that began in 2012 has resulted in 2.6 million people – more than half of the population – relying on humanitarian assistance to survive. The latest floods have only compounded their problems.

Athanase Ndayisaba is Tearfund’s Country Director for CAR. He says this latest crisis has taken everyone by surprise:

‘Throughout the month of October, we had torrential rains when the country was expecting the start of its dry season. People are devastated and frustrated after losing their possessions, having not yet recovered from the disastrous conflict in the country.’

PLEASE PRAY

• Ask God to comfort people who have lost everything in the floods and to provide for them.
• Pray that the relief efforts will be effective in bringing urgent supplies and support to the most vulnerable.
• Pray that the work we have been doing in the country will be able to re-commence, and continue to change lives.