Give to Disaster Relief--International Disasters & Emergencies
Help provide relief to the people in the flooded areas of Brazil
Situation report
Brazil Flooding
January 20, 2011
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is responding to the floods in Brazil as a member of the ACT Alliance. ACT (Action by Churches Together) members in Brazil have come together to support the population, and community-based churches in the cities have deployed emergency response and offered solidarity to survivors.
Brazil is facing its worst weather catastrophe in decades after nonstop heavy rain in the southeast caused floods and mudslides in many cities, especially Rio de Janeiro state in the Serrana region. Millions of people have lost belongings, homes, means of earning income – and loved ones. A total of 650 people have died, mainly from the worst affected towns of Rio de Janeiro, Teresopolis, Petropolis, Sumidouro and Nova Friburgo. Globally, this catastrophe is the sixth most deadly in the last 12 months.
Cars piled in mud following Brazil’s worst weather disaster in decades. Photo by Adelcio Kronbauer, ACT/FLD.
Brazilian authorities fear the death toll could climb as rescue workers retrieve more victims buried under collapsed homes and buildings.
Congregations of the Evangelical Church of the Lutheran Confession in Brazil (IELCB) have created committees to work out people’s needs and create a plan of relief action with other aid organizations and the government.
“This way we want to assist the most urgent requests of those unassisted, and avoid the waste of resources and duplication of help,” said IELCB synodical pastor Guilherme Lieven. “At the same time, we also need to think both on mid and long-term levels, when the media’s attention on this region will be gone.”
Lieven knows of a Lutheran congregation president who was sheltering 18 people under her roof, a house normally shared between the president and her mother alone. “It is all very, very sad, but after so much death we have to start thinking and working for life,” said Lieven.
Brazilian members of ACT Alliance — Koinonia, Lutheran Foundation of Diaconia (FLD), Ecumenical Coordinator of Services (CESE), Diaconia, and Christian Aid — are working on an appeal for flood relief.
How you can help
You can stand in the “GAP” for disaster survivors and help the church in this response.
GIVE. The generous sharing of your financial blessings through the One Great Hour of Sharing offering and special designated giving provides the resources needed to assist with immediate emergency needs, long-term and unmet needs and spiritual/emotional counseling.
Individuals may give online, or through their local Presbyterian congregation, on the secure PC(USA) Web site or by sending their check to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
P.O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Please include the special designated giving account DR999999 – International Disasters and Emergencies.
Congregations should send donations through their normal mission giving channels.
ACT. Stay informed and share information about the need with others. Sign up to receive PDA Rapid Information Network (PDA-RIN) email notices to alert you of additional needs.
PRAY. Please lift up in prayer those displaced from their homes by the flooding, those in need of basic supplies, and those who are working to rescue those trapped under collapsed homes and buildings.
The above information was provided by Susanne Buchweitz, Fundação Luterana de Diaconia, FLD for ACTAlliance. ACT (Action by Churches Together) is a global alliance of member churches and church-related organizations working to save lives and support communities in disasters and emergencies worldwide.
