Brazil: 79 Dead, Dozens Missing After Heavy Rains Caused Floods and Landslides in Pernambuco State

The death toll of Brazil's landslides and floods in Pernambuco state climbed to 79 on Sunday, while dozens were reported missing in the aftermath of the tragedy.

The number of casualties was confirmed by the country's civil defense authority in a statement, France 24 reported.

"As of 6:00 pm (2100 GMT) this Sunday, the number of people killed as a result of the rains has reached 79," the Civil Defense Authority underscored.

The Civil defense did not offer an update regarding the number of missing people in the aftermath of the tragedy. However, the agency noted that at least 56 people were left unaccounted for.

"We still don't have an exact number, but there are still reports of victims... who have not been found," Pernambuco Governor Paulo Camara said.

Reports claimed that the floods and landslides in Pernambuco state were caused by the extreme weather in Brazil. Heavy rains reportedly caused rivers to overflow, and torrents of mud swept away everything in their path.

Al Jazeera mentioned that the most ravaging moment happened in the state on Saturday morning when at least 19 people died in a landslide in the Jardin Monteverde community. The said area is located on the border between the state capital Recife and the municipality of Jobaotao Guararapes.

Heavy Rains in Brazil Will Continue Until Monday - State Officials

On Sunday, state officials from Pernambuco warned that the heavy rains that caused the death of their citizens will likely continue on Monday.

Minister of Regional Development Daniel Ferreira urged the citizens of the state to take extra caution while speaking at a press conference in Recife.

"Although it has stopped raining now, we are forecasting heavy rains for the next few days... So the first thing is to maintain self-protection measures," Ferreira underscored.

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) maintained its "red alert" through Sunday in Pernambuco. The said alert is known as the highest level of warning for floods and landslides.

Reports noted that while the storm has subsided, some 1,200 personnel, with boats and helicopters, resumed the search and rescue operation in the state.

Brazil's Pres. Jair Bolsonaro on Pernambuco's Tragedy

On Sunday, President Jair Bolsonaro tweeted that his administration is aware of the heavy rains that hit the state of Pernambuco and other states in the northeast.

The president noted that he directed the deployment of teams to provide "necessary assistance" to the local authorities.

Bolsonaro also announced that his administration published federal emergency recognition in 13 municipalities of the region and made about R$2.5 million for relief and humanitarian assistance ions in the two cities.

Brazil's president also noted that his administration mobilized the armed forces to deploy teams in Greater Recife and help in relief operations.

The president added that the teams would also provide "all necessary" assistance to the affected families. The president then extended his condolences to the victims of the landslides and floods sparked by heavy rains in Brazil.

"Our deepest condolences and solidarity to the victims of this sad disaster, as well as the families whose property was destroyed by the rains. It's a difficult time for everyone. We will do what we can to ease this pain. God bless you all," President Jair Bolsonaro underscored.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written By: Joshua Summers

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