(Watchers) – At least 57 people were confirmed dead on Monday, January 27, 2020, after days of intense downpour struck southeastern Brazil, triggering massive floods and landslides. Belo Horizonte city registered 171.8 mm (6.7 inches) of rain on Friday, January 24– the highest precipitation in the city since records began in 1910. 48 of the fatalities were in the worst-affected state of Minas Gerais, according to the state civil defense office. “Most of the deaths were registered in Belo Horizonte, the capital of the state,” it stated, adding that 19 others were missing.
Furthermore, most of the victims reportedly died when mudslides caused their homes to collapse, with at least two children being listed among the casualties. Minas Gerais State governor Gustavo Zema has declared a state of emergency in 99 cities– a measure meant to implement federal disaster aid. He also decreed three days of official mourning for the victims. As many as 20 000 people across the region have been forced to evacuate due to the threat of incessant rains that may further spark landslides and flooding. READ MORE
