By Sarah Pelaji
The Catholic Church through Caritas Tanzania has donated five tons of maize flour to flood victims in Lindi Rural, in the south coast of Tanzania.
This was conducted from April 20-22 in Mkwajuni and Mvuleni B villages in Lindi, where0 according to the latest update from the local government, more than 18,000 people were affected, 13 people had died, 5 were missing, over 1,750 houses were completely destroyed and other infrastructure such as latrines collapsed.
The flash floods have destroyed and caused major damage to local infrastructure such as personal property, schools, roads and bridges.
Deputy Director of Caritas Tanzanian Rev. Fr. Adalbert Donge speaking to the floods Victims, outlined the willingness of the Catholic Bishops to support the local communities.
“Most importantly, it is the love of God's people and the appreciation of the dignity of all people regardless of differences in religion, political ideology and ethnicity. In the Gospel of Luke, the story of the Good Samaritan touches the bishops of the Catholic Church and try to put the message of Jesus Christ into action through Caritas Tanzania,” he said.
“The bishops are saddened by the disaster you have experienced, resulting into loss of property, homes and farms. As Caritas Tanzania, we have come to provide you with this assistance to at least give a relief for the problem you have experienced,” he continued.
Fr Donge thanked the government of the United Republic of Tanzania for caring for the people by providing land for permanent settlement of the victims.
He also thanked the government of Lindi District Council the District Commissioner of Lindi Hon. Shaibu Ndemanya and Disaster Coordinator of Lindi Mtama Rashid for partnering with the Catholic Church in providing the support to the affected people.
On his part, the Head of Lindi District, He thanked the Catholic Church for helping the flood victims, saying that they have demonstrated the mission and proclaimed the Gospel in concrete action.
He acknowledged that the catastrophe has affected hundreds of civilians who were left homeless, with their houses and property damaged.
The Disaster Coordinator at Lindi Mtama District Council Rashid Kuawanda said the flood affected three districts namely Ruangwa, Kilwa and Lindi rural.
“Since we started experiencing the floods, the Catholic Church through Caritas Lindi was the first to provide assistance in partnership with the government to assist the victims. We are grateful to Caritas Tanzania as every household has had enough food so far, so much that the people can go on with their lives for some weeks,” he said.