Floods cause major damage in Southern Brazil

One of the rescue teams at work in Porto Alegre. Photo: Marcelo Schneider/WCC

Source: Vatican News, WCC

Southern Brazil has been engulfed by the heaviest flooding for decades. Scores of people have been killed. Many more are missing.
The epicentre of the disaster zone is the State of Rio Grande do Sul, where more than 150 communities including cities have been flooded and swamped.

Rivers have burst their banks and many, who were not able to flee in time are trapped on rooftops. A dam serving a hydroelectric plant has partially collapsed, greatly worsening the already critical crisis. Huge areas are without clean drinking water or electricity.

Governor Eduardo Leite says it's the worst disaster in their history. In some areas, the water levels are the highest since climatic records began more than 150 years ago. Civil defence is overflying the region in helicopters and the area that is cut off has been declared a disaster zone.

Weather experts say that the El Nino phenomenon, which is principally due to man-made pollution, is a major contributory factor because it's created hemispheric and global warming, which radically, permanently, and harmfully alters weather patterns.

Following the recitation of the Regina Coeli and the apostolic blessing on Sunday, Pope Francis assured the people of Rio Grande do Sul of his prayers. The Holy Father prayed for the repose of the souls of those who have died and for the Lord's consolation for their families and those forced to leave their homes.

On Tuesday, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay extended deep sympathy for the people and churches of Southern Brazil.

He said: "Even from afar, we see the immense scale and devastation caused by the massive flooding and landslides of this week's storms," said Pillay.

"Beyond the numbers, we feel the widespread suffering, horrible loss, crippling uncertainty, and deep grief experienced by Brazilians across the region... We grieve with you, and we pledge our deep solidarity, praying and working alongside Brazil's churches and relief agencies to alleviate the suffering and restore order."

The WCC 9th Assembly was held in Porto Alegre in 2006.

"When such a disaster strikes and our hearts are broken, we naturally ask where God is in these circumstances," said Pillay. "God's love and presence are always and everywhere with us and for us."