BOONE,
N.C., May 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Over the
weekend, Samaritan's Purse deployed its DC-8 and 757 cargo planes
to Porto Alegre, Brazil in
response to the catastrophic flooding and landslides that have
struck the nation. In less than two weeks, the onslaught of
relentless rain has killed more than 100 people, displaced
thousands, and devastated communities throughout southern
Brazil. These critical aid flights
transported more than 45 tons of urgently needed items such as
community water filtration systems, household water filters,
blankets, hygiene kits, solar lights, and more to the
flood-stricken country. The DC-8 also transported 16 disaster
response specialists.
Beginning on April 27, heavy
rainfall has wreaked havoc across southern Brazil, leading to critical infrastructure
damage, entire towns becoming submerged, and mass power outages
affecting more than 1.4 million people. Some of the most severe
needs experienced by families on the ground include a dangerous
lack of clean water and basic hygiene items. Through close
collaboration with Brazilian authorities, Samaritan's Purse is
committed to providing hope and life-saving aid in Jesus' Name.
"This terrible flood has devastated southern Brazil and left behind countless families who
need our help," said Franklin
Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse. "With more than
one hundred confirmed deaths and many people missing, our hearts
grieve for these families and this nation. I ask that you please
join me in praying for Brazil and
for our Samaritan's Purse teams who are working to bring help and
hope in the Name of Jesus
Christ."
Over the coming weeks, working in close coordination with an
extensive network of churches and local authorities, Samaritan's
Purse teams will provide clean drinking water, conduct life-saving
distributions of essential supplies, and remind those hurting in
Brazil that God loves them and has
not forgotten them during this difficult time.
MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES
- Interview Edward Graham, chief
operating officer for Samaritan's Purse
- Interview Ken Isaacs, vice
president of programs and government relations
- Interview Dave Philips, deputy
director for international projects at Samaritan's Purse
- Interview disaster response specialists in Brazil in the coming days
- Photos of this weekend's airlifts can be found, here
- B-roll available upon request
MEDIA REQUESTS
Based in Boone, North Carolina,
Samaritan's Purse responds to the physical and spiritual needs of
individuals in crisis situations in Jesus' Name—especially in
locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO
Franklin Graham, Samaritan's Purse
works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of war,
disease, disaster, poverty, famine and persecution. For more
information, visit SamaritansPurse.org.
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SOURCE Samaritan's Purse