At least 34 people have been killed in Brazil in torrential rains that have ravaged the northeastern state of Pernambuco since Tuesday. This is reported by the authorities. Saturday saw the most casualties. Then 29 people were killed by landslides.
Nearly 1,000 people have fled their homes due to the heavy rain. Videos of flooded roads, collapsing houses and landslides can be seen on social media.
236 millimeters of rain fell in some places in the state capital of Recife between Friday evening and Saturday morning, the mayor’s office said. According to the weather services, it will rain for the next 24 hours. It is feared that the situation will worsen. Code red will be in effect in the state of Pernambuco through Sunday.
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro took to Twitter to express his “sadness and solidarity with the victims of this sad disaster” and said his government will do everything possible “to alleviate the suffering”. According to the president, the army is deployed “to assist with emergency relief operations and provide the necessary aid to affected families”.