Brazil: Flash flooding leaves three dead in Rio de Janeiro as of April 9

Event

Heavy rainfall and consequent flash flooding has left at least three people dead across Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro state) as of Tuesday, April 9. Local reports state that the deaths occurred in the Morro da Babilônia, Leme, and Gávea areas of the city. Rescue workers have been dispatched to the South Zone - the most affected area of the city - where flooding has inundated roads and destroyed homes. Rainfall totals between 250-300 mm (10-12 in) have been recorded in Copacabana and Rocinha, among other districts. Heavy rainfall and flooding are forecast to continue over the coming hours; the Central and North zones of Rio de Janeiro may also experience flooding. 

Lingering transportation and business disruptions are to be expected in the affected provinces over the coming hours and days. 

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to monitor local weather reports, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, anticipate flooding and associated transportation and business disruptions, including road closures, and remember that walking or driving through running water can be dangerous - 15 cm (6 in) of moving water is enough to knock over an adult - and that floodwater may contain wastewater and chemical products; all items having come into contact with floodwater should be disinfected and all foodstuffs discarded.