“Worst Ever” Floods Kill Dozens in Brazil, Force 50,000 to Flee Their Homes

EXTREME RAIN EVENTS

Flash floods wreak havoc in 45 Brazil municipalities, killing at least 30 people, and forcing 50,000 to flee their homes

Flash floods, triggered by Extreme Rain Events that began last week, have caused severe landslides killing at least 30 people and forcing tens of thousands of others to flee their homes. 

Some 130 millimeters of rain fell in Espirito Santo state, swamping roads, bridges and homes. The floods were the “worst ever” since record-taking began 90 years ago, said the Espirito Santo governor.

Most of the victims were buried in deadly torrents of mud and authorities say the death toll may rise.

Landslides have also destroyed a large number of homes, roads and bridges, burying everything in their paths and  leaving dozens  of cities without electricity and drinking water.

Minas Gerais

In January 2012, Brazil’s southeastern state of Minas Gerais (pop: 20 million) declared a States of Emergency in 46 cities following sever flooding.

Flooding and mudslides triggered by extreme rain events in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais left at least 50 people dead, missing or injured and forced more than 10,000 people to flee their homes.

• About 3,000 buildings were destroyed or damaged.
• The disasters have affected at least 2 million people.

Rio de Janeiro

The state Civil defense authorities placed several municipalities in Rio de Janeiro under a state of maximum alert following widespread flooding.

• The worst-hit area is the municipality of Nova Friburgo, located about 135 km from the state capital Rio de Janeiro [city.]

Related Links

Search blog content for a comprehensive list of major flood and landslides in Brazil since 2010.