Brazil is currently facing a natural disaster. Heavy rains that fell early Sunday in Rio de Janeiro and its surrounding areas left at least 11 dead, according to a new report from firefighters. Recorded in the northern districts of the megalopolis, the deaths were the result of drownings, electrocutions and landslides. Firefighters are also looking for a woman who went missing after her car was swept away by a flooded river.
In parts of the city where a “state of emergency” has been declared, a cumulative 200 mm of rain fell in the last 24 hours, more than was expected for the entire month of January. On certain sections of Brazil Avenue, one of the city’s main arteries, water reached the hoods of cars. A dozen bus lines were closed, as well as several metro stations due to the presence of water on the tracks.
A “very high” risk of landslides
Rio firefighters said they carried out 200 interventions, mainly rescues, aid due to flooding and landslides. Mayor Eduardo Paes recommended that residents avoid traveling so as not to “hinder the work of public officials” and “put their lives in danger”.
For its part, the National Center for Monitoring and Warning of Natural Disasters warned of a “very high” risk of landslides in eight municipalities in the state of Rio.