Heavy rains again caused damage and death in Petrópolis on Sunday (20), almost a month after the storms that left more than 230 dead. According to the spokesman for the Fire Department and the State Civil Defense of Rio de Janeiro, Major Fábio Contreiras, since February, firefighters have continued their work in the city.
At least five people died and four are missing in the municipality; 31 people were rescued alive.
“Operations did not stop last month. We did not suspend the search because of the four missing victims [nas primeiras enchentes]. The entire structure was set up”, said Contreiras in an interview with CNN this Monday (21). “We were able to respond quickly [à ocorrência deste domingo]because we don’t leave Petrópolis”, he added.
He reported that there were more than 55 occurrences in the Imperial City alone this Sunday afternoon. In the state of Rio de Janeiro as a whole, that number reached 80.
“The Metropolitan Region is also very punished; Baixada Fluminense has several points of flooding, landslides”, he said. “As a whole, the state of Rio has several points of attention,” added the spokesperson.
Contreiras reinforced the request for people not to leave their homes if there is no need and for those who are in risk areas to go to shelters or shelters.
During the interview, he warned that the forecast for this Monday is for light to moderate rain, but “we know it can change quickly”.
Source: CNN Brasil
