17th of February, 2022. International News, Brazil.
Last updated: February 17, 2022 at 19:15 pmIntense flashfloods and landslides in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, have left hundreds dead, and hundreds more displaced. Scores of homes have been destroyed and many parts of the city are without electrical power as we speak.
For three hours on the night of Tuesday, 15th of February, 2022, a downpour hammered the mountainous area of Petropolis producing more rainfall in those three hours than had occurred in the previous 30 days. On that night, the city received 26.5 centimeters of rainfall.
The flash flood triggered a chain reaction of landslides across the city that has destroyed nearly 100 homes, killed over 100 people, and displaced hundreds more. Some of the streets of Petropolis are ransacked with overturned vehicles piled one on top the other.
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently on a diplomatic trip to Russia, has expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, and has pledged full and swift support to the flood relief efforts. Already, military personnel and equipment have moved in and started clearing the area, providing flood relief supplies, and executing rescue operations.
Petropolis, a tourist destination in Rio de Janeiro, is known for its centuries-old architecture, its beautiful climate, and natural scenery. It is a world-renowned tourist destination which is, unfortunately, prone to flooding. This is not the first time that this city has suffered such a disaster. In 2011, flooding in Petropolis killed over 900 people.
