intense rainy and almost 200 landslides left at least 58 dead in the old brazilian imperial city of Petrópoliswhere a race against time was waged to find possible survivors under the mud and debris.
© Excelsior
Death toll rises to 58 in Brazil due to waterspout in Petrópolis
It’s almost a war situation,” said Cláudio Castro, governor of Rio de Janeiro (southeast), in the disaster zone, in the mountainous region of the state.
The government confirmed in the early afternoon 58 deathsa figure that has grown incessantly with the passing of the hours, after the temporal occurred on Tuesday afternoon in the city located 68 km north of Rio.
According to local authorities, there were 189 landslides and floods, which left houses reduced to rubble on devastated hillsides and vehicles piled up in streets of water and mud.
Videos viralized on social networks showed shocking images of some Petrópolis roads turned into fast-flowing rivers dragging everything as they passed.
Very serious situation caused by the rains in Petrópolis. The state and federal government must act immediately to help the city’s residents. I spoke to the mayor @rubensbomtempo and we will help with whatever is needed. pic.twitter.com/YJQEH0DvnZ
— Marcelo Freixo (@MarceloFreixo) February 15, 2022
Petropolis now… #Petropolis #rains pic.twitter.com/F9EILKWoK6
– Rick Santos (ick RickSantos1974) February 15, 2022
Heavy rains, landslides and flooding are devastating the city of Petrópolis (RJ). Yesterday, in a few hours, it rained more than expected for the entire month. The images are heartbreaking. We mourn all the lives lost in this catastrophe. pic.twitter.com/SMXd1mNuez
– A life not Closed (@avidanocerrado) February 16, 2022
Rescue teams were working at the scene to help those affected, journalists confirmed.
Wendel Pio Lourenço, a 24-year-old resident, was walking with a television in his arms towards a nearby church in search of refuge, after leaving his house “condemned” by the stones that surround it.
Without having slept, he collaborated in the rescues and tried to save some belongings. “I found a girl alive who was buried,” she told AFP.
The church of Santo Antonio, close to the disaster area, opened its doors to welcome more than 150 people, evacuated from their homes due to flooding or the danger of landslides due to the storm.
Many of those who arrive have lost everything, or lost their relatives. It’s a difficult situation,” said Celestino, the church’s pastor.
So far, some 80 homes have been affected in the town of Morro da Oficina and damage has been reported in six other areas, the municipal authorities estimated in a note.
Some 300 people are being cared for mainly in schools, added the local government, which decreed a state of calamity.
Some 400 soldiers are working on relief tasks at the scene together with Civil Defense teams and firefighters, with dogs, 4×4 vehicles, boats and a dozen aircraft, sources from the state fire force reported.
Nobody expected it, it was exasperating, very sad. I have friends who are missing,” said Elisabete Pio Lourenço, 32.
So far, the authorities have not reported the number of missing.
During his visit to Russia, President Jair Bolsonaro wished that “God comfort the relatives” of the victims of the “catastrophe” in Petrópolis, during a joint press conference with the host, Vladimir Putin, whom he thanked for his solidarity in the face of what happened.
The Minister of Regional Development, Rogério Marinho, assured that the president will be “on site” on Friday.
historical corner
Petrópolis, with 300 thousand inhabitants, is a tourist city due to its historical value, the surrounding nature and a more pleasant climate compared to the coastal Rio de Janeiro, due to its height.
In the past it was the summer resort of the former Brazilian Imperial Court.
During the 18th and early 19th centuries, it was a vital point on the road between Rio and Minas Gerais that charmed Emperor Pedro I with its climate and landscape.
The monarch purchased land to one day build his summer residence there.
But it was finally his heir, Pedro II, who ordered the construction of the neoclassical building completed in 1862, where a museum now operates.
© Provided by Excelsior
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