Floods in Portugal by C. E. Renfro

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Mar 1, 1910

Floods in Portugal

By C. E. Renfro

The year 1909 would not pass without Portugal's receiving another reminder that things are perishable and that the end is near. The earthquake of April 23 awoke some persons who in their turn sank back into a profound slumber. This time several days of rain caused three large rivers to overflow their banks and to bring ruin and desolation in their path.

The Tagus River, arising near Madrid, flows in a southwesterly direction, drains a large territory occupied by its tributaries, crosses Portugal, and empties into the ocean about seven miles from Lisbon. The Mondegus arises in the Estrella Mountains, and brings the mountain snow-water to the sea at about one half the distance between Lisbon and Porto. The Douro River also has its source in Spain, and wending its way through the Mountain ravines, finds an outlet near Porto. This river has a tributary called the Tamagus, which has many reminders of Roman times as well as have the three other rivers named above.

One would hardly think that the small amount of rain fallen would do so great damage. The inundations in five provinces brought famine to many and death to some. The earthquake was bad, but the flood was worse.

Outside of destruction in villages in the valleys of these rivers, of houses, of plantations, orchards, cattle, and men, women, and children, perhaps the cities of Porto and Villa Nova da Gaya suffered the most. Along the docks are storehouses of various kinds; yet no one should weep to see the large barrels of wine swept out to sea.

During the day one could see at any time dozens of boats of dwellers along the river's banks who had drifted or sailed down the river bringing to market their products. These on the days of flood before Christmas were destroyed and the remains carried by the water to the ocean. Large ships were also beaten to bits of driftwood, and many sailors nevermore responded to the roll-call. About a thousand houses were invaded by the waters, and the poor were made poorer still by the loss of their little possessions.

Baptism in Portugal September 25, 1909, C. E. Renfro officiating. The one baptized is now in Africa as a missionary.

The Douro River, Portugal, out of its banks, carries a ship over the quay to the buildings.

Walking one day with a friend along the quay, he pointed to some signs, saying, “To here came the flood in 1860;” but since this last flood, he writes, “The inundation arose higher than the marks I showed you.” This would almost reach the second floor of any house. In Porto the electric and gas factories were ruined by the water, and the city remained without those lights, being reduced to petroleum lamps. Several hundred millions of dollars is the calculated loss.

Very high tides did not allow the rivers to empty themselves as they should, so the water rapidly backed up. Thus the drainage pipes in Lisbon remained filled, causing an overflow in the streets, bringing alarm to the inhabitants in some of the lower parts. A worse flood has not been known here.

In one picture we are sending, the river bank is to the left of the telephone pole; so its great rise can be calculated. This is some three miles from the ocean. Where the ship is, there was the usual market-place. Through our own little village of Laveiras runs a small stream in the winter, which at this time had spread itself like a large river. Men and boys entertained themselves catching oranges and wood which came drifting down. One man, while working at this, lost his balance; and only several days after was he found half buried in the mud. This circumstance reminded us that millions are dying without God or hope of salvation.

The home and family of C. E. Renfro. Colporteur on the left. Taken January 9, 1910.

Last year quite a few were baptized, but not all remained firm in the truth. In order to warn this people, we have one minister and a boy colporteur. We need more help to teach this people the message. Thousands of pages of literature have been scattered by the canvasser and young people's society. And we believe God will cause the seed sown to bring forth fruit to His honor and glory. 1910 opens up with conflicts; but God gives the victory. We are holding in our small hall four night meetings each week. We wish we could have a variety of reading-matter for free distribution to those who come to hear.

We are awaiting anxiously the coming of the worker called for by our president, L. P. Treche, at the General Conference. In the meanwhile we desire to be found at our post of duty, for the coming of Jesus is much nearer than when we first believed.

C. E. Renfro.