Floods and earthquakes.

Typhoon Washi swept through the Philippines two weeks ago.  Flash flooding devastated a southern region and two cities, killing over 1,100 people.  According to one official, “Mortuaries have been unable to cope and authorities have started digging mass graves to bury victims” (Reuters, December 20, 2011).  Tens of thousands of displaced persons are crowded into evacuation facilities with sanitation problems and little water.  Over 330,000 people are now unable to return to their homes (AFP, December 24, 2011).

Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Christchurch was hit by yet another series of earthquakes Friday afternoon, December 23.  The first registered a 5.8 and the second a 5.9 on the Richter scale.   Although the airport was closed for several hours and minor damage occurred, including liquefaction in some residential areas, no wide-spread damage was done.  However, the earthquake did bring back powerful emotional reminders of the stronger and frightening quakes earlier this year (Bloomberg, December 25, 2011).

Christ revealed that as the end of the age approaches, earthquakes will occur in “various places,” and the winds and seas will roar─resulting in the hearts of people becoming faint (Luke 21:25-26). We should expect to see increasing natural disasters as we draw closer to Christ’s return.

For more information, review our booklet Fourteen Signs Announcing Christ’s Return.