Unusual flooding rains hit the Suai Loro Village in Covalima early last month, with over 200 households evacuated.
Chief of the Village, Mr. Manuel Gomes, told us that of the five Aldeias (sub-villages) in his Suai Loro Village, Loro and Lo’o Aldeias were the most severely impacted by the floods.
From 7th to 13th June, flooding rains occurred which led to this natural disaster. Chief Gomes said, “there was nothing we could do and there was extensive damage to homes and 
crops.” CVTL evacuated the community in Suai Loro on June 14th. The support for the evacuation center to support the victims was through CVTL, Government and NGOs. “The Suai Loro village community was very happy that CVTL Covalima and National came to help us. The team came with a CVTL car to the community and evacuated us to the Suai Public Secondary School (ESGP).” The community were in the evacuation center for three days and provided breakfast, lunch and dinner. There were more than 200 households, with a total of 500 families.
“The community at the evacuation center were heartened having the presence of CVTL, as they were saddened the loss of their homes and things in them. CVTL does not normally have a presence in out village of Suai Loro, but they came when the going got tough. CVTL literally saved our lives”, said Chief Gomes.
And it just wasn’t floods and loss of property that the community had to contend with “As the floods began to enter the homes, Crocodiles were also found floating in the flooded waters. The community were afraid to leave the houses because of the crocodiles, but we had to leave. There was nothing God could do, but then CVTL came and saved our lives.”
“On behalf of our community s we want to thank CVTL from the bottom of our hearts, and we pray to God to always be with CVTL and their team of staff and volunteers in their work”, concluded Chief Gomes.
Anita Barros was another victim of the floods. Ms. Barros said “I was very sad about the floods, as it stopped me working. My job is making Tais (traditional cloth) everyday, to sell in the markets, and the money I make supports my families’ simple needs” “When the flood water started rising, I was scared for my life and all I could think of was saving my family and then save our possessions. “But life is more important, and we can work hard to get out things back, as we have a future thanks to CVTL helping us. When the rain stopped and the flooding has subsided, CVTL brought us back to our homes from the evacuation Centre. I am going to continue my work and look to the future. Thank you CVTL,’ concluded Ms. Barros.
