Deaths reported after storm in Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro state

A storm in the historic center of Petrópolis city, in the highland region just north of Rio, has led to at least 44 deaths.

The downpour that assailed area yesterday (Feb. 15) caused a number of landslides and floods with heavy streams running down the roads.

Over 300 people were forced to leave their homes. Twenty-five schools are open to welcome people who need shelter. The has city declared a state of public calamity and mourning for three days.

Fire agents have been deployed in over 40 locations in rescue and salvage operations across the city. Rio de Janeiro state Governor Cláudio Castro said at least 16 people have been rescued alive.

Petrópolis’s alert has been raised to the highest level and the city is reported to be in an operational state of crisis, with more showers forecast for today (16).

In a note, Mayor Rubens Bomtempo said the number of victims may be larger. “We are facing a moment of great sadness with the number of fatal victims that may further increase and the amount of incidents with a drastic impact on our city. We are joining all our efforts and relying on the support from the state to promptly assist the victims and restore the city.”

On Twitter, Brazil’s Minister of Regional Development Rogério Marinho expressed solidarity with the families affected. The president, he noted, should fly to Petrópolis on Friday (18).

“Our civil defense secretary is being taken to the scene today. I was contacted by President Jair Bolsonaro yesterday in Russia, who ordered the mobilization of everyone to help. On Friday he should be with us on site,” his tweet, posted this morning, reads.

Article updated at 12:38 pm with latest death toll.