AMERICA/BRAZIL - Solidarity with victims of floods in the south in which over 100 died

Santa Catarina (Agenzia Fides) - The Pastoral Commission of the Brazilian Bishops' Conference, CNBB, gathered in Itaci from 24 to 26 November, issued a message of solidarity with victims of recent floods in the southern Brazilian State of Santa Catarina. According to latest reports from the local authorities, 52 days of torrential rain in the state of Santa Catarina left 101 dead and 1.5 million persons affected. Thousands are still isolated because swollen rivers prevent rescue and aid workers from reaching the area. The people of some towns in Santa Catarina, for example San Bonifacio, San Giovanni Battista, Itapoá, Benedito Novo, Río de los Cedros and Garuva, managed to leave their homes and find shelter. In Blumenau about 20 are reported dead and over 20,000 affected, with 95 per cent of the population without clean water after the waters damaged local aqueducts. One fourth of the population of the state of Santa Catarina, 1.5 million people, are affected by the floods.
In the message the members of the Commission express gratitude for numerous acts of solidarity by individuals, groups and institutions: "once again we see our people's strong brotherly love and humanitarian concern". "These storms of nature demand attention and responsibility for our seriously harmed ecosystem, on the part of everyone - the statement reads -. The earth is God's gift and the home of all peoples and as such must be protected". In this manner they reaffirm the fundamental and primary value of life, in harmony with this year's Fraternity Campaign. They also appeal to all Christians and all men and women of good will to offer help to the victims so that the people of Santa Catarina may "overcome the challenge of floods yet again, with their characteristic firm faith in God and with the generosity of all ". (RG) (Agenzia Fides 28/11/2008)