1. Message to the affected people by the floods in Rondônia (NW Brazil)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in the troubles (Psalm 46:1)
!
Sisters and Brothers
We are accompanying with deep concern the serious situation of the people in
Rondônia caused by floods last week. The river Madeira rose up to 17m above normal.
This flood has been tagged as the major flood in the last 70 years. This has caused lots
of damages and loss for the people. Many had no place to go anymore and the
economy in the region was severe affected.
Our anglican community in Porto Velho (capital city) share with us information that
families are isolated with no food or supplies and no possibility to be attended by
doctors. There are no more routes. The water took over. The families and their children
are isolated because of it. The hunting and fishing are compromised. Our Anglican
Mission Moriá, with 36 families, exist along the bank of the Rivers Garça and Candeias
and they are dangerously affected too.
I call all our Church to pray for those region and the people in that situation and where is
possible to collect food supplies, clothes and medicines to help the families. A make an
appeal also to our international partners to support these initiatives of emergencial aid,
throughout our Provincial Office and by being in contact with our local leaders in Porto
Velho (Capital City of Rondonia), where we are present in two communities.
Unfortunately this is becoming usual each day in our country. The big hydroelectrics
projects are responsible to damage deeply our rivers, causing changing in the natural
pluvial flux of them. And we all know this is absolutely possible to prevent. Our prayers
to our sisters and brothers, part of the missionary district. As responsible to take care of
the flock I offer my full solidarity to the riverside people and I count with the solidarity of
all our Church!
In the love of Christ
++ Francisco de Assis da Silva
Primaz do Brasil e diocesano em Santa Maria
Local Contact: Rubency Luz (F: https://www.facebook.com/rubency.luz?ref=ts&fref=ts)