RIO DE JANEIRO: Rescuers in Brazil’s mountainous southeast worked tirelessly on Sunday to assist isolated communities devastated by storms and heavy rains, which claimed the lives of at least 25 people across Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo states. The torrential weekend deluge triggered chaos, leaving authorities grappling with widespread flooding and landslides.
In Espirito Santo, the death toll surged to 17 as rescuers pushed forward, aided by receding water levels following a brief respite in rainfall. Mimoso do Sul emerged as the worst-hit municipality, witnessing the loss of at least 15 lives, while neighboring Apiaca reported two additional fatalities. The aftermath revealed a scene of devastation, with ruined belongings strewn across streets and residents grappling with the catastrophic impact.
State Governor Renato Casagrande described the situation as “chaotic,” although the diminishing water levels facilitated access to previously inaccessible areas. Over 5,200 people were evacuated from their homes as the region grappled with the aftermath of the deluge.
In Rio de Janeiro, at least eight people lost their lives, predominantly due to landslides. Residents voiced concerns over the recurring nature of such disasters, exacerbated by climate change. The city of Petropolis witnessed a harrowing scene as a house collapse claimed four lives, while search teams heroically rescued a girl buried for over 16 hours.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva acknowledged the severity of the situation, attributing the calamity to climate change and pledging government support for relief efforts. The catastrophic storm, occurring amidst a series of extreme weather events, underscored the urgent need for climate action.
Images from the affected areas depicted torrents of water and debris cascading down slopes, reminiscent of previous calamities that befell the region. The National Institute of Meteorology had issued warnings of severe storms, predicting unprecedented rainfall.
As Brazil grapples with the aftermath of the deadly storms, the resilience of affected communities and the tireless efforts of rescuers offer glimmers of hope amidst the devastation. However, the urgent call for climate action and disaster preparedness remains paramount to mitigate the impact of future calamities.
