Pope Calls for Aid as Argentina Floods Kill 52

At least 46 dead in La Plata, 6 in Buenos Aires
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Apr 4, 2013 7:53 AM CDT
Pope Calls for Aid as Argentina Floods Kill 52
Rescue workers in a raft maneuver through a flooded street where cars are submerged along a street in La Plata, in Argentina's Buenos Aires province, Wednesday, April 3, 2013.   (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Pope Francis is calling for public and church institutions in his native Argentina to step up assistance to the tens of thousands of people left homeless by torrential rains that have killed at least 52 people. Francis sent a telegram today to his newly appointed successor, Buenos Aires Archbishop Mario Poli, saying he was praying for the dead, their families, and survivors of the disaster.

At least 46 people died yesterday around the city of La Plata, while another six were reported dead in the low-lying capital, Buenos Aires. Francis said he "encourages civil and ecclesiastical institutions, as well as all people of good will, to provide in a spirit of charity and Christian solidarity the necessary help to those who have lost their homes or personal belongings." (More Argentina stories.)

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