Brazil – 10,000 Displaced as Floods Continue in Espírito Santo

The state government of Espírito Santo in Brazil reports that flooding since 17 January has forced more than 10,000 people to leave their homes.

Flooding in Espirito Santo Brazil late January 2020 . Photo: Government of Espirito Santo

Heavy rain first triggered flooding and landslides in the state from 17 to 18 January, 2020. 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 heavy rain has continued to fall in south-east Brazil, affecting Espirito Santo and also areas of neighbouring Minas Gerais state, where 47 people have died and almost 19,000 have been displaced.

In Espírito Santo 3 more fatalities have been reported over the last few days including one in Conceição do Castelo and another in Iúna.

As of 27 January as many as 1,312 people were displaced and staying in relief shelters, while 8,777 people had evacuated their homes to stay with friends or relatives.

The municipalities worst affected are Iconha, Alfredo Chaves, Vargem Alta, Anchieta, Rio Novo do Sul, São Roque do Canaã, Irupi, Mimoso do Sul, Iúna, Apiacá and Conceição do Castelo.

Over 2,300 of those evacuated are in Alegre, 1,984 in Alfredo Chaves, over 1,970 in Iconha and over 1,050 in Vargem Alta.

Flooding in Espirito Santo Brazil late January 2020 . Photo: Government of Espirito Santo