Over the weekend, severe rainfall in Brazil resulted in the tragic loss of at least 23 lives across the southeastern states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo, reported Associate Press.
The government of Espírito Santo reported on Sunday that 15 individuals had perished, with nearly 5,000 others displaced from their homes due to the persistent downpour since Friday evening. Meanwhile, Rio authorities confirmed eight fatalities on Saturday.
Among the casualties in Espírito Santo, thirteen occurred in Mimoso do Sul, a rural municipality located 74 kilometres (46 miles) south of the state capital, Vitória. Rescue operations in both states were temporarily halted on Friday night due to the heightened risk of additional landslides, only resuming on Saturday afternoon.
Concerns regarding potential weather-related hazards had been raised by mayors and governors of the southeastern region since Thursday, prompting proactive measures to alert residents.
(With inputs from agencies)