Mudslides caused by heavy rainfall have
killed at least 47 people, and 120,000 more have lost their homes in the
worst flooding to hit Brazil in 25 years. Walls of mud have buried homes
and swept away bridges and roads, and entire towns are partially submerged
in water.
Survivors plagued by snakes, rats
Maria Silva, a 39 year old mother of five children whose home was lost to the flooding, said "The water was up to my neck and I didn't know what to do. I ran with my family to one side and the other desperately trying to get away from rats and cockroaches. To make matters worse, there were poisonous snakes, and not just one, but many. As we got out of our wooden hut, the water was three meters high and our house collapsed. In the street there were dead dogs and cats -- it was a horrific sight that I do not want to remember."
World Vision is raising funds to provide Survival Kits and emergency food to the children and families who have survived the flood in Brazil.