The worst drought in history is spreading from São Paulo to Rio de Janeiro and beyond. Taps have run dry and lights have gone out across large swaths of Brazil affecting more than 4 million people by rationing and rolling power cuts. As temperatures rise and rainfall diminishes the tropical nation has discovered that it can no longer rely on once abundant water supplies. And protesters have taken to vandalizing coffee shops and forcing businesses to close as lights and Internet have been shut down in some areas for days while some subways stop running for periods of time. The inconvenience and trouble is worsening conditions in the wicked cities of Brazil.
In São Paulo, the biggest city in South America, the head of the water main company urged customers to “prepare for the worst.” Full scale rationing may be introduced; something that politicians previously denied would be necessary. Brazil is now importing power from Argentina to try to cover the shortfall.
Falling agriculture production is having international effect. Coffee, sugar and ethanol production have all been hit. Seventeen of the 18 biggest reservoirs in the country have alarmingly low water levels, especially effecting the southeast. Some are down to under 6% of their capacity. In Rio the main source of tap water in Rio is the lowest in history, down to only 1%.
And the problem is spreading as at least 93 cities have imposed rationing for nearly 4 million people. Some cities have their water cut for three days a week, making it difficult to drink, cook and for washing. Some places in Rio haven’t had tap water since December of 2014.
Scientists say Brazil’s weather patterns have been disrupted by the loss of Amazon rainforest, as well as urban expansion which create a heat-island effect and reduce the amount of low cloud.
Imagine what trouble will happen in big cities that require large volume utilities, and concentrated water resources as the earth comes under increasing pressure. Imagine food shortages, power outages, communication and transportation breakdowns, fuel shortages, riots, vandalism and crime out of control. These and other likely scenarios are real possibilities. They warn that Jesus is coming soon, but also against the cities and those that live in them.
Meanwhile, Brazil’s gay marriage laws, which took effect in 2013, have kicked into full swing as more than 3,700 such unions were entered in 2013 alone.
“Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven; And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.” Genesis 19:24, 25.
“And great earthquakes shall be in divers places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven.” Luke 21:11
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