Local authorities reported that at least 10 people died due to heavy rains in the state of Minas Gerais in the south-east of Brazil. As a result of the flood, many houses were destroyed. It is impossible to cross several hundred roads.
Nine people were killed as a result of Sunday’s rains, residents of Ipatinga commune. The deaths of four people in this commune and one in Santana do Paraiso were also confirmed. The State Civil Defense Service said that two children were among the dead.
According to officials, while the rain continues in the region, the number of victims may increase. They have confirmed at least one case of disappearance of a resident of the flooded areas.
Big damage
The most difficult situation is in Ipatinga, where dozens of residential buildings have been destroyed by floods and overflowing rivers. More than 150 people have to be evacuated.
Ipatinga Prefect Gustavo Morais Nunes said at a press conference on Sunday that the floods and landslides also caused extensive damage to public infrastructure. Several hundred roads in this area are impassable, which has made rescue operations difficult.
Morais Nunes added that local authorities will soon open temporary spaces for the affected population at the municipal stadium in Ipatinga in anticipation of an increase in the number of people in need of assistance.
Main image source: Reuters/Lucas Gustavo
