Flooding in Thailand
21/10/2011 4:35 pm
Since July, floods caused by heavy monsoon rain have ravaged the country of Thailand. The losses have been immense:
- 320 people dead in Thailand
- Hundreds more have died in the surrounding countries of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.
- 9 million people affected
- 1,000 factories shut
- $3.3 billion USD loss
- 3.5 million tons of rice lost or damaged (Thailand is the world’s biggest rice exporter)
- One-third of Thailand’s provinces are covered in water, mainly in the north and central parts of the country.
The worst floods in decades are now threatening the Thai capital of Bangkok - and its 9.3 million people. Many of the metropolis’ northern suburbs are already under water. The government is now deciding which parts of the city to sacrifice to the rising waters.
We believe in a sovereign God who works all things for the good of those who love him (Rom. 8:28). He brings beauty out of ashes. He can - and will - use this disaster for his glory. We also know he is a God of compassion; he “weeps with those who weep.” He is an ever-present help and refuge to those who call on him.
Please intercede for the people of Thailand. Pray for missionaries and Thai Christians to demonstrate and proclaim the hope of Christ during this difficult time. “To be Thai is to be Buddhist,” is a common saying. May the Lord use this event to turn people’s hearts from idols to the living God. Pray also for strength, wisdom and energy for all those working to bring relief.
Sources: BBC, Reuters, Voice of America
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