Rescue teams in boats and aircraft are rushing to assist isolated residents in Brazil’s mountainous southeast, where storms and heavy rains have claimed the lives of at least 20 people.
The states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo are particularly hard-hit, with more rain expected to worsen the situation. Authorities are grappling with chaotic conditions caused by flooding, with the death toll rising as rescuers make their way through the affected areas.
Mimoso do Sul, a town in Espirito Santo with nearly 25,000 residents, is among the most affected areas, where at least 10 people have died in floods.
State Governor Renato Casagrande has described the situation as “chaotic,” expressing concerns that the death toll could rise further as damage assessments in isolated areas are yet to be completed.
In the neighboring state of Rio de Janeiro, at least eight people have lost their lives, mostly due to landslides. In Petropolis, a city located 70 kilometers (45 miles) inland from the capital, a house collapse caused by the storm resulted in the death of four individuals.
Among them was a father who reportedly shielded his daughter with his body, saving her life before succumbing to the disaster.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva acknowledged the devastating impact of the storm, noting that thousands have been left homeless. He pledged government support to protect, prevent, and repair flood damage, underscoring the increasing frequency of such environmental disasters linked to climate change.
The recent catastrophe adds to a series of extreme weather events in Brazil, highlighting the urgent need for climate action. Despite the challenges, emergency teams have managed to rescue around 90 people since Friday. However, the ongoing rainfall and precarious conditions continue to pose significant risks to those in affected areas.
Images from the affected regions show the extent of the devastation, with rivers of water, mud, and debris cascading down slopes. In Petropolis, scenes reminiscent of a similar catastrophic storm in February 2022, which claimed 241 lives, have left neighborhoods submerged and houses barely visible beneath the rising waters.
The National Institute of Meteorology had warned of severe storms, particularly in Rio, with rainfall exceeding the monthly average for March in just a few days. The situation remains critical, highlighting the urgent need for continued rescue efforts and support for those affected by the disaster.
