MAF affiliate responds to flooding in Brazil

Updated: 31 March 2014

MAF's affiliate in Brazil - Asas de Socorro - is involved in disaster relief work as parts of the country experience some of the worst flooding in decades.

Asas’s amphibious Cessna 206 is conducting relief flights, working in partnership with the Brazilian Civil Defense, local agencies, and churches to assist communities along the Madeira River isolated by the flooding.

Asas and SIL/JAARS have a joint base in Porto Velho. Márcio Rempel of Asas reports water in the hangar and homes.

SIL/JAARS temporarily evacuated its families, though one family is returning next week. ASAS has moved its families to temporary housing.

'The water continues rising. The Acre State is totally isolated by road,' said Márcio. 'Cargo flights with Air Force C-130, CASAs and B727 are delivering food and supplies every hour in Rio Branco City.

'Asas is working on a project to help these people to go back home in the next two months when the river will lower again. Thousands of families will have lost everything. We are trying to develop partnerships with churches for these relief efforts.'

John Woodberry, MAF disaster response and security manager, has been evaluating the situation. MAF USA will be providing some financial assistance, and will likely send a mechanic to Brazil in May/June to assist.

• Pray for the many families whose homes have been damaged or destroyed.
• Pray that those affected will turn to Jesus during this tough time.
• Pray for the safety Asas staff doing relief flying.
• Pray that the Asas families will deal well with this stressful situation.
• Pray that Asas's fundraising efforts will be fruitful, so that they will have the resources to help many.
• Pray that the water levels will soon subside.