15 Mar 2023 | 11:48 AM UTC
Brazil: Disruptions following landslide ongoing in parts of Manaus as of early March 15
Disruptions following landslide ongoing in parts of Manaus, Brazil, as of early March 15. Fatalities and property damage reported.
Event
Disruptions are ongoing following a landslide in Manaus, Amazonas State, as of early March 15. The landslide occurred in the Jorge Teixeira neighborhood following heavy rainfall late March 12. As of late March 14, authorities have reported eight fatalities associated with the landslide. Eleven homes in the area have been destroyed and around 130 others have been deemed at risk or unsafe, forcing dozens of families to evacuate. As of early March 15, Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has issued yellow heavy rainfall warnings (the lowest level on a three-tier scale) over Manaus and further downpours are likely over the region during the remainder of the South American Monsoon season through the end of April.
Further rainfall could result in flooding and additional landslides. Authorities could issue mandatory evacuation orders for flood-prone communities over the coming days. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding or landslides impact utility networks.
Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in and around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are likely in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation.
Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying areas; some businesses might not operate at full capacity because of flood damage to facilities, possible evacuations, and some employees' inability to reach work sites.
Advice
Monitor local media for weather updates and related advisories. Confirm all transport reservations and business appointments before travel. Make allowances for localized travel delays and potential supply chain disruptions where flooding has been forecast. Do not drive on flooded roads. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
