PETRÓPOLIS: Rescuers in Brazil’s mountainous southeast scrambled on Sunday to aid stranded people as storms and heavy rainfall wreaked havoc, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people. With additional rain forecasted for Sunday, the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo were battered by the deluge, leading to chaotic conditions and widespread flooding.
The death toll in Espirito Santo surged from four to 12 on Sunday as rescue operations pressed forward. Mimoso do Sul, a municipality heavily impacted by the floods, reported at least 10 fatalities, with concerns mounting that the toll could rise further. Governor Renato Casagrande described the situation as “chaotic,” emphasizing the challenges of assessing damage in isolated areas.
Meanwhile, neighboring Rio de Janeiro state reported eight fatalities, primarily due to landslides. Among the tragedies was the collapse of a house in Petropolis, where four people were killed. Search teams worked tirelessly, rescuing a girl who had been buried for over 16 hours. Tragically, her father, found deceased alongside her, had shielded her with his body.
Extreme Weather Events in Brazil
Brazil, South America’s largest country, has experienced a series of extreme weather events, with experts attributing their frequency to climate change. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva acknowledged the intensification of environmental disasters, expressing solidarity with the victims and pledging government support in collaboration with state and local authorities.
Since Friday, approximately 90 persons have been rescued, according to emergency committee reports. Images from affected areas showed torrents of water, mudslides, and submerged neighborhoods. The National Institute of Meteorology had warned of severe storms, particularly in Rio, where rainfall surpassed 20 cm (7.9 inches) per day—well above the region’s March average.
Rio authorities had preemptively declared an administrative holiday and advised residents to remain indoors as the storm approached. The recent calamity follows a record heat wave, underscoring the volatile weather patterns exacerbated by climate change.
