Brazil rains kill six, displace thousands

Heavy rains in northeastern Brazil have killed at least six people and displaced thousands in Pernambuco and Paraiba, according to a federal government statement. Flooding and landslides were reported in Recife and nearby areas.

Brasilia: Heavy rainfall in northeastern Brazil over the past 48 hours has left at least six people dead and forced thousands from their homes in the states of Pernambuco and Paraiba, according to a federal government statement issued on Saturday.

As per details, the rain triggered flooding and landslides in Pernambuco, particularly in the state capital Recife and surrounding areas. The federal government said two people were killed in Recife, while another two died in the neighbouring city of Olinda.

The same statement said around 1,500 people in Pernambuco were either displaced or left homeless as a result of the severe weather.

Deaths and displacement reported in two states

In Paraiba, two more people were reported dead, while 1,800 people were displaced or left without homes, according to Brazil's Integration and Regional Development Ministry.

The ministry said the cities most affected in Paraiba included Conde, the state capital Joao Pessoa, and Campina Grande.

The federal authorities also outlined the emergency response measures taken during the period of intense rainfall. In its statement, the ministry said the National Center for Risk and Disaster Management had issued 22 alerts during the most critical phase of the weather emergency.

The statement indicated that the decision to raise the operational level was made in view of the damage already caused in Pernambuco and Paraiba, as well as the weather outlook for the region.

The reported deaths and displacement come after two days of heavy rain in northeastern Brazil, where authorities are monitoring the situation in the affected areas. The official statement did not provide further details on the identities of those killed or the duration for which displaced residents may remain away from their homes.

The latest figures released by the federal government place the combined number of displaced or homeless people in the two states at 3,300, with Pernambuco and Paraiba both facing the impact of flooding, landslides and related disruption.

Authorities said the emergency situation remained under close watch after the alert level was raised to its maximum setting.