Rescuers in Brazil’s mountainous southeast raced against the clock to help isolated people after storms and heavy rains killed at least 25 people in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo. The weekend deluge caused chaos due to flooding, with the death toll in Espirito Santo rising to 17 as rescuers made their way to affected areas. The most impacted municipality was Mimoso do Sul, where at least 15 people lost their lives, while two others died in Apiaca.
State Governor Renato Casagrande described the situation as “chaotic”, but falling water levels were aiding rescue efforts, allowing access to previously unreachable areas. Over 5,200 people have been evacuated from their homes in Espirito Santo. In Rio de Janeiro, at least eight people lost their lives, with four killed when a house collapsed in Petropolis. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva highlighted the intensification of environmental tragedies due to climate change, mentioning the thousands left homeless by the storm.
The National Institute of Meteorology had warned of a severe storm, particularly in Rio, with expected rainfall of 200mm a day over the weekend. This is significantly higher than the usual monthly rainfall for March in the region. Rio authorities declared an administrative holiday and advised people to stay home as the storm approached. The extreme weather events followed a record heatwave in the country, with humidity contributing to a heat index exceeding 62 degrees Celsius.
Authorities are working with state and local officials to protect, prevent, and repair flood damage caused by the devastating storms. The rapid response by rescuers has been crucial in assisting isolated individuals and families affected by the flooding. The state of emergency in both Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo underscores the severity of the situation and the urgent need for assistance and relief efforts. The coordination between government agencies, emergency services, and volunteers is key in providing aid to those in need and ensuring the safety of vulnerable populations.
As the cleanup and recovery process begins, the focus is on supporting those who have been displaced or affected by the storms. Providing shelter, food, and medical assistance to those impacted by the flooding is a top priority for authorities. The aftermath of the storm serves as a reminder of the increasing risks and challenges posed by climate change, as extreme weather events become more frequent and intense. It is essential for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of natural disasters and to work together to mitigate the impact and build a more sustainable future for all.
