Devastating storms across northeastern Brazil have claimed six lives and forced more than 3,000 residents to evacuate their homes over the past two days, federal officials announced Saturday.
The deadly weather struck hardest in Pernambuco state, where torrential downpours triggered flooding and dangerous landslides around the capital city of Recife. Four fatalities occurred in the metropolitan area – two deaths in Recife itself and two more in the adjacent city of Olinda. Approximately 1,500 residents were forced to abandon their homes or seek emergency shelter.
Neighboring Paraiba state also suffered significant damage, with two confirmed deaths and 1,800 people displaced from their residences. Brazil’s Integration and Regional Development Ministry reported that the hardest-hit areas included Conde, the state capital of Joao Pessoa, and Campina Grande.
“The National Center for Risk and Disaster Management issued 22 alerts during the critical period of rains. Due to the impacts in Pernambuco and Paraiba and the weather forecast for the region, the operational level was raised to maximum alert,” ministry officials stated.
While the intense rainfall has diminished and conditions are stabilizing, authorities emphasized that continued monitoring remains essential throughout Saturday.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva confirmed on social media that he had contacted regional leaders to coordinate federal assistance. “The government continues to monitor the situation to provide all necessary assistance,” the president wrote.
