The government of the state of Rio de Janeiro has confirmed the death of 94 people as a result of floods and landslides that literally washed away houses and cars in the city of Petropolis.
It is reported by the Associated Press.
The mayor of the mountain town, Rubens Bomtempo, cannot even say how many people are missing as rescue efforts are still ongoing.
“We don't know the full extent of what happened yet,” Bomtempo said at a press conference.
It is reported that the flooding and mudflows began early on Tuesday. The prosecutor's office of Rio de Janeiro has compiled a list of 35 people whose whereabouts have not yet been established.
Footage shared on social media shows cars and houses being swept away by the fast-moving torrents. People are trying in every possible way to escape from the elements.
The city of Petropolis, named after the former Brazilian emperor, was an attractive destination for tourists seeking to explore the so-called Imperial City.
The city's prosperity also attracted more residents from Rio's poorer regions. The population of the city grew erratically, houses were densely built on the slopes. Many of them are located in areas unsuitable for construction. In some places, deforestation has become so extensive that it has resulted in virtually no drainage.
Local rescuers said 25.8 cm of rain fell in three hours on Tuesday, almost as much as the previous 30 days combined. Rio de Janeiro Governor Claudio Castro said the rains were the heaviest in Petropolis since 1932.
Castro added that almost 400 people were left homeless. Local authorities say more than 180 residents living in risk areas have now taken refuge in schools.
Recall that in the northeastern region of Brazil as a result of severe flooding, at least 18 people died and more than 280 were injured.
