Sunday, April 8, 2012

Mudslides Kill Five in Brazil


In this frame grab from video is seen an aerial view of a mudslide in Teresopolis, Brazil, Wednesday Jan. 12, 2011. (AP Photo/TV Globo, Agencia O Globo)
By Eric Leister, Meteorologist
Apr 8, 2012; 4:26 PM ET
Heavy rainfall recently in southeast Brazil has led to flooding problems and mudslides. Some of the hardest hit areas are northeast of Rio de Janeiro where more than 20 mudslides have been reported since Friday.
Areas in and around Teresopolis have experienced widespread river flooding and mudslides. Many residents had to flee their homes as flood waters flowed into the city.
Reports as of Sunday morning, indicate that at least five people have lost their lives while around 500 people have been affected by the mudslides in the region.
The rain fell so hard on Friday that the highway between Rio de Janeiro and Teresopolis had to be closed for several hours.
Flooding and mudslides are not uncommon in this part of Brazil. In January of 2011, heavy rainfall sparked flooding and mudslides that claimed over 900 lives.
Thunderstorms will be possible across the region early next week, however no prolonged heavy rainfall is expected.

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