Blog note. Jesus indicated that ‘fearful sights’ (various natural disasters) would occur leading up to the time known as the Tribulation and Great Tribulation (a combined seven year period of great destruction on earth). Although these types of things have occurred in the past for centuries and thousands of years, they could be identified as the ‘season of the times’ due to the ferociousness of these events. They would be occurring in greater intensity, severity, frequency, size, duration, scope … just like the pains that a woman experiences in labor the farther along she is in the labor process. We are in the ‘season of the times’ that comes just before the seven (7) year Tribulation/Great Tribulation period

… And great earthquakes shall be in diverse places, and famines, and pestilences; and fearful sights and great signs shall there be from heaven. (Luke 21:11).

… And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (Luke 21:25)

… Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken; (Luke 21:26)

… This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)

Jesus is giving a series of prophecies about what to look for as the age of grace comes to a close. These verses are several of many such prophecies from throughout the Bible. 2017 was the worst year in recorded history for the intensity, frequency, severity, duration and occurrence of a large number of severe natural disasters worldwide. Earthquakes, volcanoes, hurricanes, typhoons, cyclones, torrential flooding, unprecedented wildfires in unusual places, devastating droughts, excessive/scorching heat setting records everywhere, record snowfalls in Europe and Russia. Snow in the Arabia. This list can go on. Most studied Eschatologists believe these ‘fearful sights’ and massive natural disasters are all part of the ‘CONVERGENCE’ of signs that this Biblical and prophetic age is closing. Most people who study prophecy are familiar with the routine reference(s) made that these things will be like a woman having labor pains, growing in intensity, frequency, size and duration.

Nearly 200,000 displaced as unprecedented flooding hits South Sudan. 150,000 refugees. Emergency shelter kits and material aid are being sent to help over 5,000 families and some 25,000 locals to rebuild their homes.

Posted by Julie Celestial on October 20, 2019. Watchers.news

Heavy rains caused unprecedented flooding in the northeastern part of South Sudan, forced 200,000 residents to evacuate, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesperson Andrej Mahecic said October 18, 2019. The affected area, located in the Upper Nile region, is home to over 150,000 refugees from Sudan.

The agency said in a statement that floodwaters have submerged major roads, making it difficult to travel to refugee camps. Access to public services including hospitals were also affected. Sanitation facilities were damaged, increasing health risks. Moreover, the situation prompted schools to cancel classes. 

“We remain concerned that the flooding may increase the risks and spread of diseases. South Sudan was recently declared cholera free last year with the fears that the deadly disease could make a comeback,” UNHCR said.

The agency is now working with its partners and the local authorities in conducting emergency support as soon as possible. The affected residents are seeking safety wherever there is land, mostly on small islands as the floodwater levels have swept vast areas.

The region near Maban’s capital town of Bunj experiences usual flooding due to heavy seasonal rains. Water from Ethiopian highlands, where rainfall is becoming heavier, is sweeping across neighborhoods in raging rivers as well.

“Refugees and South Sudanese locals fled their homes, carrying their belongings and seen gathering together on little islands of dry ground,” Adan Ilmi, UNHCR’s Representative to South Sudan, stated. “Floodwaters have submerged, making access to the refugee camps difficult for humanitarians. Schools in the region also remain closed.”

Ilmi added, “UNHCR and partners together with the government have already begun assessments in refugee camps in Maban and surrounding communities. Among the main needs identified so far are emergency shelter, food, water, and sanitation. Refugees and local communities urgently need international support as it faces one of the worst floodings within the last decades.”

UNHCR has prepared emergency shelter kits and material aid to help over 5,000 families and some 25,000 locals to rebuild their homes. However, the agency said the affected population is still in dire need of assistance.