Haunting Reappearance Of Flooded Church

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) March 16, 2010 -- In 1985 the former Venezuelan town of Potosi was deliberately flooded, so as to make way for an electricity producing reservoir. Now the former town has made a haunting reappearance, due to an historic drought brought on by the El Nino weather pattern.

Reuters reported that twenty-five years ago, the Andean town of Potosi was home to approximately 1,200 residents. Carlos Andres Perez, Venezuela's then president, landed in the village in a helicopter to inform everyone that Potosi was to be evacuated and flooded, its residents relocated, its colonial church and homes abandoned.

In its place a hydroelectric dam was built and the Uribante Reservoir rose until only the steeple to Potosi's cathedral could still be seen.

Following a devastating drought which has gripped Venezuela, the ruins of Potosi and the 25 meter-tall church have once again risen into view. The water levels at Uribante Reservoir have fallen by almost 90 feet. The church, grave markers, ruins of demolished houses and footprint of the old town square have reappeared.

Green grass flourishes in the area, as the lake waters disappear. Former residents of the town are able to walk on the area that used to be their home.

Scientists say El Nino weather pattern, which has caused devastating snowfalls and rain across the United States and Europe this winter, is responsible for Venezuela's worst drought in decades.

Twenty-eight million residents of Venezuela rely heavily on hydroelectric power for their electricity requirements. Because of the extended drought, reservoirs like the one that had swallowed up Potosi, are running close to dry, resulting in nationwide energy rationing.

Venezuela is on the very edge of a devastating power crisis, which poses a serious political threat to President Hugo Chavez. Cloud seeding failed to produce the desperately needed rain. The President has imposed penalty fees for energy overuse, shorter workdays for the many public employees and reduced hours for shopping malls.

Chavez affirms the rationing plan will hopefully assist the country to reach the month of May, when seasonal rains are predicted to return.

Oil economic professor at Venezuela’s Central University and former official in Chavez’s Energy Ministry, Vicot Poleo said “We’d be in a situation where we’d have to halt the country, the entire economy”. Venezuela’s Guri Dam is the third largest producer of electricity in the world. The existing gas and oil-fired power plants would be able to cover only around 20% of the nation’s needs. Widespread and sustained outages would be in force. If the water levels of the dam continue to fall, the nation faces a serious crisis.

About Haunting Reappearance Of Flooded Church
Venezuela Church simply refuses to lie down and die, as once more it dominates the local landscape. For more information:http://www.tropicpost.com/reappearing-church/
Feel free to contact Wendy on admin@youmesupport.org
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