50 die in Brazil mudslides
Mudslides in Brazil have caused the deaths of over 50 people, and displaced another 3,000 from their homes.
Over 50 people have died in Brazil as a result of mudslides in the densely populated south east of the country.
Heavy rains throughout December culminated in storms on Christmas Eve which resulted in mudslides over the festive period that caused celebrations in the region to be abandoned.
As a result of the mudslides, 2,000 people have been displaced from their homes for at least 30 days as engineers survey the land for structural stability.
In the meantime the authorities admit that they do not have the capacity to house the people who will be evacuated, and are encouraging people to stay with family where possible.
Many are entering condemned houses in an effort to salvage belongings left behind in the rush to vacate during the rains.
City officials warned that favela (unplanned slum) housing is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions due to its temporary construction.
New building has been strictly prohibited on 12 of the areas surrounding the city of Rio where slum housing is often constructed.
BMS mission workers Mark and Suzana Greenwood are based in Rio, and have not been affected by the mudslides, but ask for prayer for those who have.
- for the families who have lost loved ones and property,
- for the towns still under water, and
- for the authorities, who have to lead a relief and clean-up operation and put good practices in place which might prevent future tragedies.
(Photo )
07/01/2010
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