[ad_1]
More than 100 people are already dead from landslides and floods that destroyed a city in southeastern Brazil.
Mud floods and waterfalls caused by massive rains swept away cars and homes in the hilly area of the city of Petropolis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
The floods were triggered by 26 cm of rain that fell within three hours on the delicate terrain, which was almost the amount of total rainfall in the previous 30 days.
The images posted on social media showed the frightening floods on the streets of Petropolis and the tragic consequences of landslides to the community.
One video showed two buses sinking from the swollen river as desperate passengers tried to get out of the windows.
Some managed to get ashore while others were taken away by the deadly waters.
Rescue efforts continue and the death toll could still rise.
About 400 people are believed to have been left homeless by the disaster while dozens are still missing, more than 24 hours after the start of the horror.
At least 24 people have been rescued alive from the rubble and others are in search.
Authorities said about 200 residents living in the endangered areas are being housed in schools.
Governor Claudio Castro described the situation as a ‘war zone’ saying the recent rains had been the heaviest for Petropolis since 1932.
Petropolis is named after a Brazilian emperor, and often serves as a haven for those fleeing the summer heat or tourists visiting the “western city”.
But the mountain and hillside that surround the city are covered with small, dense communities of inhabitants, often living in precarious structures that are weakened by deforestation and lack of sanitation.
top channel
[ad_2]
Source link
