Since Friday, May 27, more than 46,000 emergency calls have been registered in 193 in Pernambuco and Alagoas, according to state administrations. The heavy rains that hit several cities in the territory left thousands of people homeless, in addition to dozens dead or missing. Faced with the situation, the Adventist Church and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) promptly mobilized to assist victims and rescue teams.
In several of the affected cities, Adventist churches and schools have become collection points for food, clothing, hygiene kits, cleaning materials, mineral water, beds, mattresses, and other items needed by the victims. Some of these outbuildings are also serving as shelters for people who have lost their homes. In Jaboatão dos Guararapes, Pernambuco, for example, about 30 people are housed in the Adventist church in the Marcos Freire neighborhood.
ADRA's Performance
On Sabbath, May 28, ADRA also started emergency care in the cities. Erinaldo Costa, the agency's director in the Northeast region of Brazil, says that since then, the team has been distributing lunchboxes to homeless families and the team of firefighters and volunteers who work to rescue the wounded. It has also delivered personal hygiene kits, cleaning materials, clothes, and basic food baskets. Meanwhile, a technical group is working on an action plan for the next few days, considering the forecast is for a scenario that is still dangerous. The National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) warns of new severe rains, which could cause more damage and increase the number of victims.
ADRA also launched a national fundraising campaign on Sunday to continue assistance. “We count on the support of our partners and donors. We hope to serve hundreds of people in these two states,” declares Fábio Salles, director of ADRA Brazil. Anyone can donate via Pix. The target account key is the email [email protected]. More information about the campaign and other agency projects can be found on the website, adra.org.br.
This article was originally published on the South American Division’s news site