Americas News
Rain leaves at least 31 dead in Brazil; 'absolute chaos' in Rio
Apr 6, 2010, 17:36 GMT
Rio de Janeiro - At least 31 people died in and around Rio de Janeiro in heavy rain since late Monday, which caused widespread flooding and generally wreaked havoc in Brazil's second-largest city.
According to an official report issued Tuesday by the authorities, the tragedy was worst in the towns of Niteroi and Sao Goncalo, near Rio, where at least 23 people died in mudslides.
In Rio itself, eight people were confirmed to have died. However, the figure could rise since at least seven people were missing after their house collapsed in the favela (slum) Morro dos Macacos, in the Vila Isabel neighbourhood in northern Rio.
Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes asked locals to remain at home, arguing that the city is currently in 'absolute chaos' given that key avenues have been flooded.
'On a zero-to-10 scale, the degree to which Rio is prepared for rain like this is zero,' Paes said as he commented on the situation 15 hours into the downpour.
Universities, schools and courts suspended their activity, as did the local legislature. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cancelled a visit to Rio which was scheduled for Tuesday.
Rio de Janeiro is set to host in 2016 the first Olympic Games ever held in South America.
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