Abnormally severe weather has caused major flooding in the north-east of Brazil. Torrential rains have left 28 people dead and 31,000 homeless. Many families sheltering in local schools, churches and public buildings are being served by Salvation Army relief teams.
In Recife, capital of Pernambuco State, almost 60 per cent of the normal rainfall for the month of June fell in just over 24 hours and authorities report that around 300 houses either caved in or were washed away. More than 1,300 homes have been damaged and 23 cities in Pernambuco have declared a state of emergency.
Despite the heavy rains, however, 64 towns in the region have declared a state of emergency due to the lack of adequate drinking water.
In response to the immediate and urgent need, Salvation Army relief teams have been mobilised and are working in partnership with other local churches to alleviate suffering. Supplies of mattresses, medicines, non-perishable food and milk powder are on the way. In response to this urgent situation, US$5,000 has been released immediately from emergency funds. Donations in support of the relief effort may be sent to the Latin America Disaster Fund at International Headquarters or made online using a major credit card.
International Headquarters
