Brazil – 6 Dead After Flash Floods and Landslides in Espirito Santo

Heavy rain from 17 to 18 January triggered flooding and landslides in the state of Espirito Santo in southeast Brazil.

Damage caused by floods in Espirito Santo, Brazil, January 2020. Photo: Government of Espirito Santo

Almost 250mm of rain fell in 24 hours to 18 January in the town of Alfredo Chaves in the south of the state, which is more than it would normally see during the whole of January.

The rain triggered massive flooding up to 2 metres deep in some areas. Raging flood waters caused severe damaged to buildings, infrastructure and vehicles.

The state’s fire service confirmed 6 deaths, with more feared missing. At least 3 people died in flood waters in the municipality of Iconha. Three more fatalities were reported in Alfredo Chaves, where 2 people died after a landslide engulfed their home in mud.

The state government said that firefighters are still rescuing isolated people and search for missing persons. Governor of Espirito Santo, Renato Casagrande, visited the worst hit municipalities of Iconha, Alfredo Chaves and Vargem Alta on 18 January.

Floods in Espirito Santo, Brazil, January 2020. Photo: Government of Espirito Santo
Damage caused by floods in Espirito Santo, Brazil, January 2020. Photo: Government of Espirito Santo

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