The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil’s Petropolis has risen to 136, including 22 minors. This was announced on Friday, February 18, by the Globo TV channel.
It is noted that rescuers managed to extract 24 survivors from the rubble. In addition, the police received statements about 216 missing people, but law enforcement officers do not yet know if they are among the rescued and the victims.
500 rescuers, 200 police officers, as well as military and volunteers are taking part in the search work.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro ordered to provide assistance to the victims, as well as the city authorities in eliminating the consequences of bad weather, including with the involvement of the military. He promised to allocate about $430 million for this.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences in connection with the tragedy.
Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro said it was the heaviest rain since 1932. He called this tragedy “historic”.
More than 170 landslides were recorded in Petropolis, 80 residential buildings were damaged or destroyed. The authorities of the city, where more than a month’s rainfall had fallen in six hours the day before, announced the introduction of a state of emergency.
On February 16, the department of the Situation and Crisis Center (DSCC) of the Russian Foreign Ministry reported that the Russians were not affected by the flood in Petropolis.
In January, it was reported that at least 20 people died in Brazil due to flooding. More than 35 thousand residents were forced to leave their homes. The elements covered 40 cities throughout the state of Bahia. Not far from the city of Jussiape, the Duas Ilyas dam broke through. Forecasters predicted the appearance of new landslides.
Source: IZ
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
