Church aids Brazil and Southern California

The LDS Church is responding to floods in Brazil and fires in Southern California. All missionaries in those areas are safe and no church buildings had been harmed as of May 11.BrazilUnusually heavy rains from the Amazon area over the past two months have swamped the Atlantic coastal area of the northern part of the country, making many highways and roads impassable in what is considered the worst flooding in decades. Ten states have had considerable flooding.According to a Church Welfare Services report, 40 deaths have been confirmed, none of whom were Church members, and more than 180,000 people are displaced, down from the 800,000 who were displaced last week. The Brazilian government and local governments are working together to deliver food, sanitation supplies and other necessities to those affected. Eight member families in the Teresina Piaui Stake were affected and are being assisted by local leaders.Church members are also aiding with relief efforts. Members in the Brazil Teresina Stake are distributing food kits, personal hygiene items and mattresses while members in the Itacoatiara District are assisting with relief efforts and assembling hygiene kits.Southern CaliforniaAs of May 12, firefighters were showing progress against an area wildfire that has been burning since May 5. The cause of the fire, which has burned 9,000 acres, is believed to be from someone clearing vegetation with a power tool.