BRAZILIAN Salvation Army emergency service personnel are assisting the survivors of a massive mudslide in the city of Niteroi, near Rio de Janeiro. More than 180 people have been killed with at least a further 200 people reported as missing.
After almost five days of heavy rain the mud swept down the slopes of Mount Bumba overwhelming everything in its path.
Salvation Army personnel, assisted by many volunteers, are working in conjunction with government Civil Defense teams and fire-fighters. The Army's role includes the provision of emotional and spiritual support to families of the victims, combined with the distribution of food, drink and other essential items.
A Salvation Army team is also assisting affected families at the shanty town of Nova Divineia, where the Army maintains an ongoing social services programme aimed at children and adolescents.
Report by Stephanie Parker Chagas
