The mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil recently experienced severe flooding and landslides, leaving thousands homeless. Habitat for Humanity Brazil is helping families to rebuild.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (March 4, 2011) - In what is reported to have been the worst disaster in Brazil's history, severe flooding and landslides swept away entire communities in 15 counties of the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. The disaster affected more than 90,000 people, taking more than 900 lives. Some 20,000 individuals were forced to evacuate, and 8,000 homes were completely destroyed.
Habitat for Humanity Brazil, as part of the Global Network for Disaster Reduction (GNDR) and in partnership with other non-governmental organizations and local allies, has mobilized to help affected families rebuild their lives.
The national Habitat organization is receiving close support from the international Habitat for Humanity network, drawing from the organization's experience in working with post-disaster situations in Haiti, the United States and Asia Pacific.
The response will address both construction and social needs of the most affected families, providing:
2,000 emergency shelter kits
200 transitional houses
1,000 home repairs
Habitat for Humanity Brazil has previous experience in disaster response in the region of Pernambuco, where they built 50 transitional houses and 500 home repairs for families affected by last year's floods.
Please visit www.habitatbrasil.org.br or contact vanessahiga@habitatbrasil.org to learn more about how you can help.
About Habitat for Humanity Latin America and the Caribbean
Habitat for Humanity first opened its doors in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in 1979, and has since helped more than 100,000 low-income families to access adequate housing in the region. Headquartered in San Jose, Costa Rica, the Latin America and Caribbean regional office coordinates the efforts of 16 national organizations, as well as unique partnerships throughout the region. For more information, visit habitatlatino.org.