The Episcopal Relief & Development recently supported initiatives that assist the victims of severe flooding in Bahia, Brazil. The faith-based organization is a relief agency that operates under The Episcopal Church.

The Associated Press reported that the flooding affected over 100 cities in Bahia. This was caused by heavy rains that impacted the region since November 2021.

The collapse of two dams in the northeastern part of Bahia has also worsened the situation.

Humanitarian Efforts For Flood Victims

As per the Episcopal News Service (ENS), the Episcopal agency assists relief operations. It extends help to the Servicio Anglicano de Diacono e Desenvolvimento (SADD). The latter is the relief and development agency of the Anglican Episcopal Church of Brazil.

SADD reportedly conducted initiatives in Bahia to help the impacted individuals and families.

The Episcopal agency aided SADD in handing out essential items to the flood victims. These include food supplies, potable water, bedding, and other items.

As reported, the agencies distributed those relief items to the displaced individuals in the region.

ENS reported that around 70,000 people in the area have evacuated, leaving them homeless. Moreover, the severe flooding has reportedly impacted more than 600,000 individuals.

Aside from being displaced, some families also lost their properties and source of income. The flooding also damaged their crops, the report noted.

Although the floodwaters started to recede, it was difficult for people to return to normal. Thus, the Episcopal Relief & Development and SADD seek to help them cope with the situation.

Through the Episcopal agency's support, the SADD reportedly strives to aid 200 families. Those families were from three municipalities.

Apart from food supplies, it also aims to give personal hygiene kits and cleaning items.

Meanwhile, it seeks to offer pastoral care to the victims through Diocesan clergy members.

Helping Women-led Families

According to the news outlet, the two agencies prioritize families led by women.

Kaylie Cordingley explained the reason for helping those families in particular. She is the program officer of the Episcopal Relief & Development.

"SADD recognizes that women are often responsible for the care of their children," she stated.

Cordingley said that women are also responsible for their parents and communities.

She reiterated that they had been affected not just by the flooding but also by the pandemic.

"This project will come alongside these families to provide relief in the wake of these destructive floods," she added.

The Episcopal agency also urged people to send prayers for the victims of severe flooding.

About Episcopal Relief & Development

According to its website, the relief agency spearheads programs to help the community. It aims to assist people to attain healthier lives in their neighborhoods and strives to help them achieve "more fulfilling lives."

The organization particularly aids communities that suffer from hunger and poverty. It also seeks to help neighborhoods in responding to disasters and diseases.

In addition, the Episcopal agency addresses issues regarding women and children. It also responds to problems that affect the climate.

Through these efforts, the agency aspires to develop authentic and long-lasting outcomes.

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