Status: 02/17/2022 07:39 a.m
–
–
–
After heavy rain and landslides in Brazil, the death toll has risen to at least 104. Many people are still missing, hundreds are homeless. The government warns of further rain.
At least 104 people have died in landslides and floods caused by heavy rain in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro. This was reported by the Brazilian news portal “G1”. Accordingly, eight children were among the victims.
The Agência Brasil news agency quoted the mayor of Petrópolis, Rubens Bomtempo, as saying that the number of dead could still rise. 400 soldiers were dispatched to support the search and rescue teams.
Hundreds of people homeless
The number of buried people was not initially known, the fire brigade and residents searched for them under the rubble and mud. A total of 24 people were rescued alive. At least 80 houses were hit by a mudslide, more than 180 residents of risk areas were housed in schools, according to civil protection, and 372 people became homeless.
The Brazilian government warned of a “very high” risk of new landslides in the region, particularly in Petrópolis.
The storm had broken over the city of Petrópolis and the surrounding area, which is more than 800 meters above sea level. According to official figures, 258 liters of rain per square meter fell in three hours – as much as in the previous 30 days.
Image: REUTERS
–
–
“Almost a war situation”
According to the meteorology broadcaster Climatempo, on Tuesday it had rained more in six hours than had been expected for the entire month of February. “It was the worst rain in Petrópolis since 1932,” said Governor Cláudio Castro. Slopes slid, cars were swept away by the water masses, roads were blocked. “It’s almost a war situation,” Castro said.
Hundreds of firefighters and police officers were involved in the rescue and clean-up work. “Our task now is to get life in the city going again,” Castro said. “We have mobilized teams and machines and will do whatever is necessary to rebuild the city and ease the pain of the victims’ families.” Both state and private fundraisers were launched.
Houses are completely destroyed after a landslide. At least 80 houses were reportedly hit by a mudslide, and more than 300 people had to evacuate their homes.
Image: dpa
–
–
Government warns of new rains
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently on a state visit to Russia, spoke of a “disaster” at a press conference. He wished the relatives of the victims “God’s consolation”. On Friday he wants to visit the area himself.
January, February and March see repeated heavy rains in Rio and the region. In addition, the residents have often built their houses illegally on mountain slopes that are prone to landslides.
For the coming days, the government warned of new rains that could cause new floods.
Brazil – Landslides in Petropolis: the number of deaths continues to rise
Anne Herrberg, ARD Rio de Janeiro, February 17, 2022 at 7:49 a.m
–
–
–
