Brazilian floods leave thousands homeless
Friday, June 25, 2010
The figure of missing people has risen from the 40,000 estimated on Tuesday when news of the disaster broke. The embassy said 41 people have died as a result of the disaster, while 1,500 are missing in the states of Alagoas and Pernambuco. Up to 71 municipalities or districts have been affected with several agricultural towns reportedly submerged by the floodwater.
The embassy said the floods did not affect big industrial towns that contribute significantly to the Brazilian economy. It said the effects of the disaster are more humanitarian than economic. The embassy said Brazil has unveiled $175 million for emergencies that have risen from the disaster. The funds will be used for evacuation, medical, food and other interventions.
While it is widely acknowledged that Khama holds the title of Kgosi, the government’s failure to properly gazette his recognition has raised serious concerns about adherence to legal procedures and the credibility of traditional leadership. (See a story elsewhere in this newspaper.) Recent court documents by the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, Kgotla Autlwetse, shed light on the intricacies of Khama’s recognition process....