General

Firefighters update death toll in Petrópolis to 176

Teams work day and night to rescue victims

Vitor Abdala e Akemi Nitahara - Repórteres da Agência Brasil

Published on 21/02/2022 - 09:19

Rio de Janeiro

Bombeiros se equilibram sobre a lama acumulada na Rua Teresa, em trabalho de busca nos deslizamentos de terra das chuvas em Petrópolis. — © Fernando Frazão/Agência Brasil

Heavy rains last week in Petrópolis, in the mountain region of Rio de Janeiro, has left at least 176 fatalities, reported the local Fire Department. Teams are working day and night to rescue victims. Firefighters have rescued 24 people so far.

According to local authorities, 114 bodies had been buried as of Sunday night. The Institute of Forensic Medicine (IML) has been identifying and releasing bodies. More than 100 missing persons are being sought.

It has been raining lately on a regular basis, but the heaviest storm hit the area on February 15. According to the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet), the weather forecast for today is for rain showers throughout the day.

Petrópolis Civil Defense used alarm sirens yesterday afternoon in the first town district and sent warning SMS and WhatsApp messages. This is the downtown area that has been mostly affected by landslides and floods and where most people live.