Brazil – 10 Dead After Torrential Rain in Rio De Janeiro

by in Americas, News

At least 10 people have been killed by flash floods in Rio de Janeiro after a storm brought strong winds and massive amounts of rain.

Floods in Rio after 3 months’ worth of rain in 24 hours. Photo: Centro de Operações da Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro

The city’s emergency operations centre reported that at least 6 locations in the city recorded more than 300mm of rain in 24 hours to 09 April, in some cases more than 3 times the monthly average. The city declared a state of crisis late on Monday, 08 April.

Flash flooding turned some streets into raging rivers, downed trees and swept away cars. Roadblocks remain in various parts of the city, due to flooding and falling trees. Traffic and public transport have been severely affected. Thousands were left without electricity after power lines were damaged.

Three people died when a vehicle was hit by a landslide in Botafogo. Several of the victims drowned in flood water, and others died when buildings collapsed or were electrocuted by falling power lines. Hundreds of people have been rescued from the floods. According to the emergency operations centre, Rio’s Civil Defence attended over 500 incidents. Local media said Rio’s fire service attended over 2,000 calls.

The worst affected areas were the southern and western zones of the city, mainly in Guaratiba and Santa Cruz.

Residents of the city have been warned to go outside only if they absolutely need to and to avoid flooded areas.

At least 6 people died after similar severe weather in the city in February this year.

Rainfall in Rio 08 to 09 April. Image / figures: Centro de Operações da Prefeitura do Rio de Janeiro

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