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Hi all
We were all very pleased to hear that the world is beginning to hear of Cambodia's problems, here is a link to the Guardian's article:
Cambodia suffers worst floods in a decade - in picturesA very disappointing start to the week as we were all hoping that the floods were going and that we would be back at school again. That is not the case. After 10 hrs of very heavy rain and the same from both downstream and up stream the road to GH is very badly flooded again. The Siem Reap River is supplied with water from the north and then water is forced upstream from Tonle Sap - which is supplied by the Melong. We set off bravely with the Khmer staff for school in our hired truck, as we knew the road would be unsafe for any other form of transport - locals madly try, but their motos stop and how they don't suffer more accidents is beyond us. Some mad ones try riding their bikes through it all too! However, when we arrived at school there were no children as it is far too dangerous for them to walk through the deep water, and of course, their living conditions must be horrific. Whilst we were there we did jobs that needed doing, had lunch and then returned to find the water had risen further since morning. Fortunately, we are still dry here.
At lunchtime we went to our usual coffee shop and saw a moto driver knock a young boy off his bike, but the worst part was that he had a very tiny child on it too, she was picked up screaming with her face covered in blood. None of us were sure what to do, but the driver put them both on his moto and either took them home or perhaps to the local clinic. Our truck broke down yesterday just as we were about to leave GH - the driver tried with his rudimentary tools and lots of banging, but in the end they decided it was dirt and water in the fuel and a replacement one had to be sent for. This water has made a few truck owners rich, as they are very much in demand as taxis. Poor tuk drivers again.
Both Sian and Lindsey are having dresses made at Cherry Blossom, where I had an outfit made last year, so we went into town afterwards, all the locals could do was talk about the rising water and the warnings being given and put the sandbags back into place.
This morning all was fine here, but the river is over again in town and much deeper on the way to GH. We stayed until 11 o'clock, I showed 4 new vols the ropes, they must wonder what they are coming to and then we returned - I cannot see us going out there again this week. Tomorrow all the Khmer teachers are coming here, we are going to make them some resources and I may assist with some teaching pointers.
The sights as we go along are heart breaking, homes flooded, but people doing their best to go about their daily lives. Nobody seems angry, just resolute. There is not quite as much swimming in the floods as earlier, too dangerous now with all the debris it carries, but people washing and washing clothes in the water, trying to cook on any dry surface they can find and washing is hanging to dry with the posts in water. Luckily it hasn't rained here today yet and is warm, but you do see children shivering.
This afternoon I went to see how the people are getting on with my computer, first I had to wade through water up to my knees and keep my balance in the strong current of the flowing water. Hopefully, it will be fixed tomorrow for 45$ - cheap if it solves the problem and doesn't stop again soon.
The washing machine here has broken down and so today it was collected and taken away on a moto between the driver and another guy - an amazing sight as it was an industrial sized one, so much bigger than our home ones. There is a picture!
It is getting rather frustrating now, although we're all upbeat, but there is only so much you can do in Siem Reap and I did it all last year! We may try to get to Battambang at the weekend, but it is impossible to find out properly about road conditions, safety etc and the worst is not being able to judge what is happening based on the rainfall here - the water causing us problems is not ours - it is coming from other countries!!!
I'm fine, but the people are not and in the coming months it is going to get worse as rice prices escalate due to shortages and as that is their staple diet - and in many cases their only food it is going to be disastrous for them. Quite a few volunteers have been here a month and only managed to work with the children two days, so although they can clearly see and understand the situation it is frustrating for them.
If anyone can think of and organise some fund raising activities any donations would be gratefully received, and very quickly spent on rice and/or repairs to homes. Thank you.
Hopefully things will soon be much improved and we can all get back to what should be our normal daily routines.
Hope you have all enjoyed your Indian summer and that you are all well, take care and love to all, J x
Mati and Geoff - I'm convinced all will be well for your visit!
- comments
Jon and meryl Hi Jenny We have now moved and we are on the net...at last! Note my new email address below! The house now almost resembles a place we can live in as we have fewer boxes pilled up in a room! But we have lots to do still. But we are at least dry! Looking at the pictures is something of a shock as they floods are far worse than last year. The pictures of Phnom Penh are pretty bad as well but as you say, all will be well soon! Best wishes Jon and Meryl