Brazil: Deadly flooding and mudslides in northeast

Event

On Monday, May 29, local authorities announced that at least seven people had been killed and tens of thousands left homeless due to flooding and mudslides amid intense rainfall in the northeastern states of Pernambuco and Alagoas over the weekend. Some 35,000 people have lost their homes in Pernambuco, and 2000 in Alagoas. Nearly 30 cm (12 in) of rain fell over the weekend.

On Sunday, May 28, 15 Pernambuco municipalities were declared disaster zones due to flooding or landslides, namely Caruaru, Gameleira, Belém de Maria, Palmares, Amaraji, Maraial, Ribeirão, Cortês, Barra de Guabiraba, São Benedito do Sul, Rio Formoso, Catende, Água Preta, Jaqueira, and Barreiros.

Pernambuco Governor Paulo Camara issued an emergency decree to accelerate relief operations and seek relief aid. President Michel Temer pledged to release funds to help the affected regions.

Context

Torrential rains regularly hit the northeast of the country as well as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, sometimes leading to deadly mudslides and floods. The rainy season in the northeast runs from April to July, and from November until March in the south and southeast.

Advice

Individuals present in affected departments are advised to monitor the situation, to avoid areas directly hit by flooding, and to adhere to any orders issued by the local authorities. Remember that driving or walking through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of running water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater or chemical products; all items having come into contact with the water should be disinfected and all foodstuffs disposed of.