This weekend, our partners John and Leah at Valley Light Home were able to make it to the home. They used the only possible road in a 4x4 to come down the mountain. Even in good conditions, traveling is risky, so we can only imagine how difficult the journey must have been. John shared that several large trucks were stuck in the mud and unable to move.
John sent us this video showing how the flood water had destroyed the large garden (shamba) they had worked so long to create. This garden is located behind the home's compound walls. It was previously full of crops for the children's meals at home and the school in town they run.
The flood water is coming from all the mountain runoff and has already caused significant damage to another children's home not too far away. Yesterday, after dark, another large amount of water rushed down the mountain, and while the danger was real and it sent people running in all directions to find safety, the flood waters didn't increase by the home. Thank you for praying for the water to move down the mountain, least destructively!
The Kenyan Minister of the Interior arrived in Kijbae today to assess the damage to the railroad. He held a press conference and ordered a mandatory evacuation for areas very close to Valley Light Home.
The children and staff will stay in another location until the threat of more flooding and landslides decreases. In the meantime, we will work with our partners at Kutoa to arrange counseling support for the kids and staff. Your giving to the Emergency Fund is helping with real and important needs for the Valley Light family and the affected surrounding community. There are many opportunities to make a difference with your donation!