Area declared national disaster 

As if malaria, HIV/AIDS and poverty are not enough problems to contend with; now much of Zambia has been devastated by severe floods. Several weeks of continuous heavy rain has resulted in thousands of homes, livestock and agricultural products being submerged under water. Although it is the ‘rainy’ season the rainfall has been unusually high and this is the time of year when their summer crops are flourishing

Having visited Zambia several times in the past two years I have seen the hardships the people have to endure on a daily basis now they have a natural disaster to overcome. I cannot imagine how they will survive without financial aid from the Western World; President Mwanawasa has appealed for $13 million in international aid. Although we are experiencing severe flooding in the UK we do have insurances, government aid and social services to assist; many Zambian people have lost everything with little hope of recovery.

The authorities have closed schools, converting them into shelters for displaced families. More then 40 have died; many drowned or killed by crocodiles as they attempted to cross rivers for higher ground.

Fortunately Mukuni Village, the main village supported by The Butterfly Tree is on a sandy knoll and I believe only a few homes have been lost; however speaking yesterday to Presley Mulenga, the Head Teacher he does not know how the people will survive as all the crops have been ruined.

The Butterfly Tree is planning to send out medical supplies and is appealing for donations to help with this catastrophe. Anyone interested in offering support can make an online donation or contact us.