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Death Toll in Brazil Flooding Increases

   VOA News 12 January 2011
   An  aerial  view of a mudslide in Teresopolis, Brazil, after rain tore
   through Rio de Janeiro's mountains, Jan 12, 2011

Photo: AP

   An  aerial  view of a mudslide in Teresopolis, Brazil, after rain tore
   through Rio de Janeiro's mountains, Jan 12, 2011

   Brazilian  officials  say  at  least  140  people  have been killed in
   flooding and mudslides triggered by heavy rains in towns near the city
   of Rio de Janeiro.
   At least 114 people died in the mountain town of Teresopolis, some 100
   kilometers  north  of  Rio,  while  hundreds were left homeless.  The
   downpours Tuesday and Wednesday in the Serrana region caused hillsides
   to collapse, swamping houses with mud.
   The  mayor of Teresopolis, Jorge Mario, said the disaster is the worst
   catastrophe in the town's history.
   The   death   toll   is  expected  to  rise  as  officials  reach  the
   worst-affected areas.
   The  governor  of  Rio  de Janeiro state, Sergio Cabral, called on the
   Navy to send helicopters to transport rescue workers.
   At  least  three  firefighters were among the dead in the town of Nova
   Friburgo, next to Teresopolis. Another three officers are missing.
   Heavy rains also killed 13 people earlier in the week in Sao Paulo.

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