Brazil – More Deadly Floods Hit Pernambuco

At least 3 people have died in Recife, capital of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, after floods and landslides triggered by days of heavy rain. This is the second spate of deadly flooding and landslides in the state in the last 6 weeks. At least 7 people died after torrential rain in areas around Recife on 13 June, 2019.

Landslide damage in Pernambuco, Brazil, after heavy rain in June 2019. Photo: Civil Defence Pernambuco

In a statement of 24 July, the government of Recife municipality said 102mm of rain fell in 6 hours early on 24 July. Around 240mm of rain has fallen in the last 5 days. Civil defence have issued 5 rainfall warnings since 19 July.

Recife government confirmed 3 fatalities in the municipality as a result of the severe weathe. Local media also reported 2 deaths in nearby Olinda and 3 in Abreu e Lima.

Schools have been closed. Recife government said a team of around 1,000 personnel, including 350 from civil defence, were working across the city in response to the flooding.

According to Pernambuco Water and Climate Agency (Agência Pernambucana de Águas e Clima – APAC), Abreu e Lima recorded 140mm of rain on 24 July, Recife 146 mm and Olinda 140 mm.

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