Heavy rainfall in Brazil displaces over 11,000 people
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While 11,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, governmental authorities rush to provide alternative housing and aid.
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Aerial view of floods caused by heavy rains in the city of Itapetinga, south Bahia, Brazil, December 26, 2021 (AP).
In the Brazilian state of Bahia, which has been experiencing flooding due to heavy rainfall, 11,000 people have been displaced.
Since November, heavy rains have taken the lives of 17 people, in addition to the most recent death which happened on Thursday, according to the state's civil protection agency.
Authorities rushed to provide aid and relief to the victims of the flooding, especially to residents who do not have any other place to go.
After the rains wreaked havoc in 19 cities, including Guaratinga, Itororo and Coaraci, the protection agency reported that 4,185 people have been seeking shelter and that 11,260 people have been forced to flee their homes.
Collaborating with other states, the government of Bahia and the federal government embarked on a joint operation Saturday in order to mobilize human resources, aircraft and equipment to cater to the needs of the flood victims.
"We are fully mobilized, taking all measures to ensure the necessary support to the victims of the heavy rains that hit Bahia this Christmas," said Rui Costa, governor of Bahia, in a video message.
According to the state's infrastructure secretary, the flooding and traffic blocks were witnessed on 17 roads, some causing landslides and rockslides, posing danger to passers.
Rainfall in Bahia this December totaled 250 mm through Friday, which is a number five times the historic average, according to city officials.
