During the first week of January, heavy rainfall caused flooding and mudslides in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, displacing more than 3,000 people. Jehovah’s Witnesses report that, of the almost 8,000 members living in the affected area, no one was hurt. However, eight Witness families lost all or some of their belongings when their homes were flooded. These victims were temporarily sheltered in the homes of fellow believers and relatives. A disaster relief committee composed of Witness volunteers has already delivered four tons of food, potable water, and other necessities to areas hardest hit by this disaster.

Media Contacts:

International: J. R. Brown, Office of Public Information, tel. +1 718 560 5000

Brazil: Pedro Catardo, tel. +55 15 3322 9000