Natural catastrophes

9.1, torrential rain

Brazil: communities across southeastern Brazil declared a state of emergency as torrential rain continued to cause extensive damage in the region. At least 50 people were reported to have died, more than half of them in the state of Rio de Janeiro, since the beginning of the year. Tens of thousands were left homeless by floods and landslides. South-east Brazil experienced almost continuous heavy downpours and thunderstorms since the New Year. The worst affected areas have been the mountainous state of Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro on the coast, where 29 people were reportedly killed. Many of the deaths were caused by mudslides and the collapse of poorly-built homes on the steep hillsides. Brazil’s main coastal highway was blocked when a bridge collapsed and at least two people were struck by lightning. The governor of Rio state, Sergio Cabral, is appealing for federal aid to help the worst-affected municipalities, 12 of which have declared an official state of emergency. In Rio alone at least 16,000 people were left homeless.