Landslides and floods have wreaked havoc in the mountainous region of the city of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, following heavy rains. At least 18 people have died in floods and landslides since the heavy rains on February 8. By February 11, 15,000 people were affected and 1,400 were displaced.
Authorities expect the death toll to rise further as rescue teams search for victims in the affected area of the Petropolis area. Hundreds of people died in the region in 2011 due to heavy rains. The Rio state fire department said in a statement that 180 military personnel were involved in the rescue operation. The department said that the area received 25.8 cm of rain within three hours of the day, which is equal to the rainfall received in the previous 30 days.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is visiting Russia, tweeted that he has instructed his ministers to immediately help those affected by the rains. The municipal government declared a state of emergency and said officials would continue to monitor the affected areas and provide aid and relief supplies to the victims.
