In Pernambuco, 91 reported dead following rains

The Civil Defense of Pernambuco has confirmed 91 people dead as a result of the floods and landslides devastating the state in northeast Brazil, plus 26 individuals still missing since May 25, when rains became more intense.

Security forces, the Civil Defense, the Army as well as municipal agencies are active in seven landslide spots in the metropolitan region of capital Recife: Zumbi do Pacheco and Curado IV (Jaboatão dos Guararapes); Areeiro (Camaragibe); Monte Verde/Ibura, Barro and Guabiraba (Recife) and Paratibe (Paulista).

The operation has engaged 198 firemen from Pernambuco, 11 from the state of Paraíba, seven from Minas Gerais, and eight from Rio Grande do Norte. Also helping are 60 soldiers from the Army, 22 from the Navy, eight military police officers, a hundred municipal guards, four civil police agents, and 25 workers from the urban cleaning utility.

“We’re working with full force, mobilizing the resources available and seeking professionals from a number of states in Brazil with rescuing expertise in landslide areas. We’re also bringing support to the areas affected by land, water, and air,” Social Defense Secretary Humberto Freire said in a statement.

The number of people forced out of their homes is reported to stand at approximately 5 thousand, as per the Civil Defense of Pernambuco.

According to the Pernambuco water and weather agency APAC, rains should continue until Friday (3) in the metropolitan region of Recife and in the Zona da Mata, but with a lower volume and moderate intensity.

Given the severity of the situation, the Civil Defense underscored the “warning regarding the high risk of landslides, as the soil is soaked.”

“The highest figures for rainfall in the last 24 hours were recorded in the municipalities of Olinda (60 mm), Paulista (57 mm), Itapissuma (53 mm), and Recife (52 mm). River conditions, however, remain stable. The monitored rainfall that led to alerts and flood warnings has either lowered or stabilized, and there is no longer need for further warnings,” the Civil Defense stated.

The Highway Department added that flooding and landslides in certain road sections have caused partial blockages.