Heavy rains leave 250 dead in Brazil
By IANSWednesday, January 12, 2011
Rio de Janeiro, Jan 13 (IANS/EFE) At least 250 people have died due to heavy rains, flooding and mudslides in Brazil during the past two days, authorities said.
In the mountainous Teresopolis, the most heavily affected area, the toll stands at 122, while in the neighbouring town of Nova Friburgo 97 people have died, firefighters said Wednesday.
State Environment Secretary Carlos Mink called it “the worst catastrophe in the history of Teresopolis”. Mayor Jorge Mario Sedlacek echoed that sentiment.
In Petropolis area, 18 people have lost their lives, a government statement said.
Emergency officials estimated at least 50 people have been missing. They said the figure of missing people and also the number of deaths could rise.
The downpours began Tuesday night in the mountainous region of southeastern state Rio de Janeiro, where at least four cities have been put on alert due to landslides that have buried several houses.
The storms across Rio de Janeiro followed heavy rains Tuesday in the neighbouring state of Sao Paulo, where at least 13 people died in flooding and mudslides.
Officials are also concerned about the situation in Franco da Rocha, a suburb of Sao Paulo city where urban area remains completely flooded.
–IANS/EFE
