Worst natural disaster in Brazil for several decades

19 January 2011

Flooding and mudslides have killed more than 600 people in south-eastern Brazil.

The main towns affected are Nova Friburgo, Teresopolis and Petropolis which lie in the Serrana region, a mountainous area north of the city Rio de Janeiro. The death toll is expected to rise further and thousands are currently homeless.

The rains which caused the flooding and mudslides killed 13 people in Sao Paulo state on Tuesday January 11th before the weather system moved on to the Rio de Janeiro state causing the deadly floods and mudslides.

Rescue effort

Officials stated that the town of Teresopolis had 144mm of rain in 24 hours, more than the average monthly total for January. A state of emergency has been declared in Teresopolis where whole areas of the town have been cut off and have not yet been reached by rescue teams. Rescuers are using helicopters as the search for survivors continues in the region.

Major roads have been damaged by the floods and landslides compounding the traffic chaos. Power and telephone lines are down and there is a shortage of drinking water. The army is currently supporting rescue efforts, guarding against looting and are helping to clear blocked roads which have forced rescuers to reach some of the worst-hit areas on foot.

The Serrana region is a popular holiday destination for the inhabitants of large Brazilian cities. They enjoy outdoor pursuits and the cooler temperatures the area offers.

Sergio Cabral, Rio de Janeiro state governor, has declared seven days of mourning for the victims of the disaster, the worst natural disaster in Brazil for several decades.

Advice for those travelling to or working in the areas affected:

There is a risk of leptospirosis in these flood-affected areas.
After floods and heavy rains the incidence of malaria, dengue fever and other insect-borne diseases can sometimes increase. Please seek further advice if you plan to travel in the coming weeks.
We recommend that you take a diarrhoea treatment kit with you if are involved in the aid effort in the flood-affected areas.

For further information click on the following links:

Diarrhoea and dysentery
Flooding related health dangers*
Insect protection
Leptospirosis
Brazil country profile*

*You need to have an account with our Travel Health Advice Centre (THAC) in order to access these information sheets. If you are interested in signing up to this health service please email [email protected] to find out more.

Sources: Reuters AlertNet, BBC News online, O Globo