Latest News (EN)

Pernambuco records four deaths from landslides and flooding after heavy rains on holiday

Alagamentos e deslizamentos em Pernambuco — Reprodução/TV Globo
Photo: Alagamentos e deslizamentos em Pernambuco — Reprodução/TV Globo

Fortes Rains that hit the state of Pernambuco during the Maio 1st holiday caused landslides and flooding, resulting in the deaths of four people, including two children. The cities of Recife and Olinda were the most affected by the incidents. Rescue Equipes and Defesa Civil worked tirelessly to help the victims amid the destruction. The federal government has already promised emergency support for the affected areas. Entire Famílias had to leave their homes due to imminent risk or the total loss of their possessions. The volume of precipitation exceeded expectations in several locations, worsening the situation in risk areas.

Deslizamentos on Recife and Olinda victimize families

The holiday was marked by a series of tragic incidents in metropolitan areas. Em Dois Unidos, Recife neighborhood, the collapse of a barrier completely destroyed a family’s home, killing a 24-year-old woman and her four-year-old son. Moradores from the region initially tried to remove the victims from the rubble before rescue teams arrived, highlighting the local desperation. The child’s father and the couple’s one-year-old daughter were rescued in serious condition and received immediate medical attention.

The perception of risk was already hanging over the region’s residents. Flávio Lima, pest control technician, reported a feeling that the barrier would fall. Ele acted quickly, asking the children to leave the room and go to the living room. Segundo your report, shortly after the orientation, a bang was heard and the barrier gave way. The speed of his action prevented more family members from being hit in the place of greatest impact.

In the neighborhood of Passarinho, in Olinda, the situation was no less dramatic. Cinco homes were completely destroyed by another landslide. Este incident resulted in the death of a 20-year-old woman and her six-month-old son, who were buried under the rubble. Riverside communities and hillside areas were particularly vulnerable to record volumes of rain, exacerbating the risks for the resident population.

Operações rescue and assistance to those affected

Throughout the day, the intermittent rain, with periods of intense precipitation, made the work of rescue teams difficult. The waterlogged soil became even heavier and more unstable, increasing the risk of new landslides during operations. Bombeiros, Defesa Civil agents and volunteers worked in adverse weather conditions.

Coronel Carlos Albuquerque, secretary of Defesa Civil of Olinda, described the complexity of the scenario. The conditions were unfavorable and there were two consecutive landslides, requiring maximum attention from the teams. Militares of Corpo of Bombeiros remained alert to any new incidents, ensuring the safety of victims and professionals in the field. Esta constant vigilance was crucial to preventing further accidents in the area.

In a joint effort, rescue teams managed to save at least 55 people and four animals that were isolated in communities affected by waters and barriers. Rafaela Costa, one of the rescued residents, described the loss of material goods. Ela managed to leave the house only with the help of a firefighter and didn’t even save her daughter’s medication, who has bronchiolitis. Documentos and other belongings were lost, leaving her with only the clothes on her back.

    Dados and rescue impacts:

  • Vítimas confirmed fatalities: 4 people
  • Pessoas rescued from island areas: 55 individuals
  • Animais rescued by teams: 4
  • Abrigos temps activated on Recife: 10 units
  • Famílias welcomed into shelters in the capital: 80 families

Volume exceptional rainfall and its impacts

The capital of Pernambuco recorded a rainfall of 175 millimeters in a short period, significantly impacting local infrastructure. Como direct consequence of the intense rains, 14 flights that were destined for Aeroporto from Recife were diverted to other locations. Essa measure aimed to ensure the safety of air operations and passengers.

The city of Goiana, located in Mata Norte of the state, was the most punished, with more than 200 millimeters of rain in the last 24 hours. Este volume is equivalent to that expected for 26 days in May, far exceeding the historical average. The intensity of the precipitation caused structural damage, including the collapse of part of the wall of a school under construction. Diante of the threat, at least 300 people had to leave their homes and were taken to a municipal shelter.

Moradores from Goiana’s region were seen carrying what they could through the flood and rubble. The local authorities’ response included activating support points for the homeless, providing basic assistance and temporary accommodation. The scale of the damage demands a coordinated effort from different government levels to recover the affected areas and support families.

↓ Continue lendo ↓