Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rio de Janeiro (Agenzia Fides) - The year 2009 ended with a heavy rain, which hit many regions of Brazil. In Rio de Janeiro, many people have died and thousands of families have been left homeless. The solidarity of the people of Rio is already showing and they have begun solidarity campaigns. In December, Caritas of Rio de Janeiro began a campaign to support victims of the floods, particularly in the area of Angra dos Reis (RJ).
Even the parishes of the affected areas have been organized. In Quintino, the region hardest hit by the rains, the parish of São Jorge is using its church area for the homeless and helping more than twenty families. Father Marcelino Modelski, in a meeting with the town administration, managed to get help for the homeless. Also there was a celebration for the repose of the souls of flood victims. The Bishop's Vicar in charge of social charity, Father Manuel Manangão, explained that "oftentimes, only those who are working know that the families affected by the rains are in need of everything. So, any kind of help is important."
In Rio de Janeiro, floods and landslides caused by heavy rains swept away the huts in many favelas. The number of dead has risen to over 100. In the area of Sao Paulo rescue teams have recovered 23 bodies, so far, from several slums. In most cases, in cities or on the coast, landslides hit unauthorized buildings, luxurious villas, poor brick houses, and plywood shacks, built illegally. (CE) (Agenzia Fides 08/01/2010)
