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.

South Island under state of emergency as floods displace thousands, New Zealand

Posted by Julie Celestial on February 5, 2020. Watchers.news

Thousands of residents in South Island, New Zealand, were forced to evacuate their homes on Wednesday morning, February 5, 2020, after severe flooding hit the region, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency. The severe weather also left hundreds of tourists stranded at Milford Sound on Monday, February 3.

More than 1 000 mm (39 inches) of rainfall fell in 60 (6) hours, causing rivers to overflow.

Residents in the low-lying areas of Gore and Mataura were forced to evacuate promptly on early Wednesday as floodwaters in the Mataura river worsened. Those further downstream in Wyndham were also urged to flee.

“We have issued notices to evacuate and to prepare to evacuate to 6,000 (6) people across the region,” said a spokeswoman for the Emergency Management Southland (EMS).

Furthermore, citizens were reminded to pack medication, clothing, and identification as they were told to move to higher grounds.

As a precaution, the power to affected areas was interrupted, while evacuation centers were put up in schools and local churches.

In Milford Sound, floodwaters damaged the only road to the fiord, which is a famous hiking spot, especially for international tourists. Around 200 trapped people were airlifted to neighboring Te Anau.

“The tourists have been well catered for,” said EMS. “Morale has been high amongst the visitors and staff, as they received regular briefings and have been in contact with friends and family.”

A landslide was reported at Routeburn walking track, which hit a hut and injured two people. Both received treatment at the scene for minor injuries.

Later on Wednesday, Gore residents have been allowed by the civil defense to return to their homes. However, Wyndham locals were told to stay evacuated likely until Thursday, February 6, as the last surge of water is still ongoing.

“Gore did an amazing job, they evacuated earlier this morning. It looks like we dodged a bullet there, the river defenses have held pretty much so we’re hoping later on this afternoon once we’ve done an inspection we’re looking promising for letting people back into Gore,” said EMS controller Angus McKay.

“Mataura we’re really on a watch and wait, and the same for Wyndham which is a bit further downstream. They’re our kind of urban areas, it’s fair to say we’ve got a lot of water in the rural areas. We’ve really got a few days ahead of us to assess all the damage around the rural areas and how we can help people deal with that.”

While the south was drenched, contrasting weather was experienced farther north as a scorching temperature of 40 °C (104 °F) was recorded in Te Karaka on Tuesday, February 4, according to Weather Watch. A heatwave from Australia was the reason behind the sweltering temperature, pushing hot air over the North Island.