I received an email from Jório Fracillio, our Partnership Missions Department coordinator in Brazil, relating the need for prayer for flood victims in Teresina, the state of Piauí, and throughout the region, that have been displaced from their homes by recent flooding. Widespread power outages and drinkable water shortages have been reported in several communities. Thankfully, no fatalities related to the flooding have been reported in Piauí, however, in a 10 state area of Northeastern Brazil, which includes Piauí, at least 44 people have died and nearly a million people have fled their homes.
Teresina has two rivers that flow through it and intersect in the north region of the city; the larger Panaíba river that flows on to the Atlantic Ocean and a major tributary, the Potí River. When both rivers swell from rainy season downpours, the Potí river flow is impeded by the larger river’s current, causing it to rise above flood level. With this recent flooding, the Potí river rose 46 feet.
Jório and other ministers and missionareis in the area are working to support the victims with food basket delivery (see photo). Please pray for our Brazilian friends and all of those effected by the recent flooding, those administering aid, and the recovery process.
Nordely, Jorio's wife, and other missionaries prepare food baskets
Those of you that have been to Teresina will recognize the areas in the video that are close to the malls and the hotel where most all volunteers stayed.
Additional photos of the flooding in Teresina are available at http://www.demotix.com/news/floods-northeastern-brasil. As you may have already guessed, the word Enchente in the YouTube video title above is Portuguese for “Flood”.
