Heavy Rains Bring Devastation To Brazil

Late on Wednesday night, a massive mudslide hit Morro do Bumba, a shantytown near Rio de Janeiro. More than 50 houses were buried, covering what is believed to be over 200 people. The downpours that began in Brazil on Monday have caused dozens of landslides, most of them in the Rio de Janeiro area, especially in the slums and shantytowns outside of the city. The death toll is now over 170 people total for these landslides, and countless others are still missing. While 20 people were pulled from the debris alive, the hopes of finding more survivors is very slim. Instant death is thought to have struck many people trapped in their homes during the mudslide, but the people of Brazil continue to search. Over 2,000 families are currently being removed from high-risk areas in Brazil, as further mudslides are expected. 4,000 families have been left homeless by these mudslides. Food and medical supplies are being distributed to those left homeless by the mudslides, and the local government is requesting $200 million in aid from the federal government. According to Vertexnews, the U.S. plans to donate at least $50 million to help survivors. These overwhelming rains are the heaviest Brazil has seen in 48 years.

Submitted By: Nora Beswick