BRAZIL: Salesians respond to flooding
Disastrous flooding impacts millions
BRAZIL
(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries have responded with aid following the disastrous floods that hit the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It’s the worst flooding in the region since 1941. The most affected area is in Porto Alegre, capital of Rio Grande do Sul. In some locations nearly six inches of rain fell in 24 hours, an amount typical for the entire month of April. Heavy rains caused river flooding and landslides, impacting the local population.
Reports indicate that 90 people have died, scores other are missing and injured, and more than 155,000 have been left homeless. More than 1.3 million of the total 11.4 million inhabitants suffered damage due to the bad weather wave that affected 497 municipalities.
In Porto Alegre, the Guaíba River reached more than 17 feet, well above the record of 15.6 feet set during the 1941 flood. Many houses are submerged to the roof. Several locations have been isolated due to landslides and the collapse of bridges, hampering rescue workers. The federal government said it had sent nearly 14,000 troops to the state. The rain stopped on May 6, but many areas remain flooded and delivery of basic necessities has been impossible. More rainfall is expected in May.
Salesians report losses from three Salesian centers in Porto Alegre. According to the Superior of the Salesians of the St. Pius X Province of Porto Alegre Brazil, Father Ademir Ricardo Cwendrych, about 17 families of teachers and other employees at the Provincial House, the Don Bosco School and the Social Work in Viamão suffered total or partial losses.
Fr. Cwendrych said, “We are putting facilities in place to assist those who are going through these difficulties.” He is calling on all those in Brazil to support their efforts. “Please spread this news to the Salesians and friends of Don Bosco in Brazil, so that we can do good as soon as conditions permit.”
Salesians in several provinces have already responded to the call with appeals to collect donations, food, clothes and basic necessities to help those displaced by the floods. Those in the territory devastated by the waters are already acting to provide in-person help to those in need.
The Padre Pedro Leonardi Social Center, located in the Restinga district of Porto Alegre, is collecting donations of towels, hygiene and cleaning materials to better assist displaced families in the region, and Indigenous families have been welcomed in the parish hall of Mary Help of Christians Parish. In addition, Our Lady of Graces Parish in Canoas is collecting non-perishable food, snacks, milk, drinking water, personal hygiene and cleaning products, and bedding.
Salesians will continue to monitor the situation and offer aid and support to those who have been impacted.
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Sources:
ANS Photo (usage permissions and guidelines must be requested from ANS)
ANS – Brazil – Salesian support for flood-affected populations continues
Salesian Missions – Brazil
World Bank – Brazil
