Over the weekend, heavy storms and rains in Brazil's mountainous southeast led to at least 25 deaths in Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo. Rescuers worked against the clock to assist isolated people in the aftermath of the flood.
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The situation was described as chaotic due to widespread flooding, but water levels were dropping allowing for progress in rescue efforts. Mimoso do Sul, a town in Espirito Santo, was hit the hardest with at least 15 fatalities. Governor Renato Casagrande called the situation "chaotic" but the conditions are improving for rescue operations. Over 5,200 people have been evacuated from their homes in the affected areas.
Officials in the neighbouring state of Rio de Janeiro reported that at least eight people have lost their lives in a recent tragedy. Among them were four individuals who died when a house collapsed in the city of Petropolis, located 70km (43 miles) inland from the state capital.
This catastrophic situation occurred following a series of extreme weather conditions that have plagued Brazil. The National Institute of Meteorology had issued warnings of a severe storm, specifically in Rio, with anticipated rainfall of 200mm (7.9 inches) per day from Friday to Sunday. This amount exceeds the average March rainfall of 140mm (5.5 inches) for the region.
To ensure public safety, Rio authorities had declared a public holiday on Friday and advised residents to remain indoors as the storm approached.
This severe weather comes on the heels of a record-breaking heatwave, during high humidity levels that heats index exceeding 62 degrees Celsius (143.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
