Brazil: At least nine dead and one missing after heavy rains in Rio

More rain fell in 24 hours than usual in a month. At least nine people were killed and one woman missing in and around Rio de Janeiro as heavy rains hit the region early on Sunday, firefighters told us. These deaths were recorded in the northern regions of Rio and nearby municipalities in the capital region, where rainfall was particularly intense. Victims died in landslides, drowned, or were electrocuted. A woman is also missing.

Parts of the city where a “state of emergency” was declared received a total of 200mm of rain in the last 24 hours, more than expected for the whole of January. On some sections of Brazil Avenue, one of the city’s main arteries, water reached the hoods of cars. The street was closed for the night.

200 firefighter interventions

Rio firefighters said they carried out 200 operations, mostly rescues, due to floods and landslides. About ten bus lines stopped operating and at least four subway stations were closed due to water accumulating on the rails.

“In accordance with the instructions of President Lula, we are acting together with Mayor Eduardo Paez to guarantee all the support of the federal government to the population affected by the heavy rains,” Regional Development Minister Valdes Guz wrote on X. Eduardo Paes recommended on Sunday that residents avoid travel to “not interfere with the work of government officials” and “not to put their lives in danger.”

For its part, the National Center for Monitoring and Prevention of Natural Disasters warned of a “very high” risk of landslides in eight municipalities of Rio state. According to Rio City Hall, the weather is expected to remain “unstable” this Sunday, with “light rain” forecast for the afternoon.