War Situation in Brazil as Mudslides Kills 132 After Flood Hits

War Situation in Brazil as Mudslides Kills 132 After Flood Hits. 

Brasilia: The number of deaths resulting from flooding and mudslides in Petropolis, a city in the southeast region of Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state, was up to 130 on the last day of the week, according to the local authorities.

The latest report by the city’s Civil Defense agency also said the number of missing persons has almost doubled to nearly 200 since the heavy rains on Tuesday led to rivers overflowing and triggered the destruction of many homes by mudslides.

Brazil’s president Jair Bolsonaro, who flew over the disaster area around noon Friday, stated that it appeared a “war scene” and directed his ministers to adopt various new steps.

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The firefighters said it was possible to save those still alive just four days after the tragedy. 

Still, weather conditions hindered the rescue efforts, making it hard to utilize large machinery to move rubble and earth.

The Brazilian government is expected to release 500 million dollars (about 95 million U.S. dollars) in urgent relief to the affected region.