landslides
Brazil mudslide death toll is at 117, police say 116 missing
The death toll from floods and landslides that swept down on the mountain city of Petropolis rose to at least 117 on Thursday and local officials said it could still rise sharply, with 116 more still unaccounted for.
The Rio de Janeiro state government confirmed the rising loss of life, with many feared buried in mud beneath the German-influenced city nestled in the mountains above the city of Rio de Janeiro.
Torrents of floodwaters and mudslides dragged cars and houses through the streets of the city Tuesday during the most intense rainfall in decades. One video showed two buses sinking into a swollen river as its passengers clambered out the windows, scrambling for safety. Some didn’t make it to the banks and were washed away, out of sight.
Survivors dug through the ruined landscape to find loved ones even as more landslides appeared likely on the city’s slopes. A small slide Thursday prompted an evacuation but didn’t cause injuries.
Also read: Brazil mudslides kill at least 94, with dozens still missing
As evening came, heavy showers returned to the region, sparking renewed concern among residents and rescue workers. Authorities insisted those living in at-risk areas should evacuate.
Rosilene Virginia’ said her brother barely escaped, and she considers it a miracle. But a friend hasn’t yet been found.
“It’s very sad to see people asking for help and having no way of helping, no way of doing anything,” Virginia told The Associated Press as a man comforted her. “It’s desperate, a feeling of loss so great.”
As some people tried to clear away mud, others began burying lost relatives, with 17 funerals at the damaged cemetery.
Rio police said in a statement Thursday that about 200 agents were checking lists of the living, the dead and the missing by visiting checkpoints and shelters, as well as the city’s morgue. They said they managed to remove three people from a list of missing after finding them alive in a local school.
Also read: 5 killed in Christmas morning gunfire in northeast Brazil
“Every detail is important so we can track people,” said Rio police investigator Elen Souto. “We need people to inform the full name of the missing person, their ID, physical traits and the clothes that person was wearing.”
Petropolis, named for a former Brazilian emperor, has been a refuge for people escaping the summer heat and tourists keen to explore the so-called “Imperial City.”
Its prosperity has also drawn residents from Rio’s poorer regions and the population grew haphazardly, climbing mountainsides now covered with small residences packed tightly together, often in areas made more vulnerable by deforestation and inadequate drainage.
The state fire department said 25.8 centimeters (just over 10 inches) of rain fell within three hours on Tuesday -- almost as much as during the previous 30 days combined. Rio de Janeiro’s Gov. Claudio Castro said in a press conference that the rains were the worst Petropolis has received since 1932.
“No one could predict rain as hard as this,” Castro said. More rain was expected through the rest of the week, according to weather forecasters.
Castro added that almost 400 people were left homeless and 24 people were recovered alive. They were fortunate, and they were few.
Lisa Torres Machado, 64, said “the hand of God” spared her family from tragedy.
“A little room was left at my mom’s house and she hid there with my two sisters and brother,” Machado, a resident of Petropolis for three decades, told the AP. “I can’t sleep. I still can’t believe what’s happening. We lost all our friends.
The stricken mountain region has seen similar catastrophes in recent decades, including one that caused more than 900 deaths. In the years since, Petropolis presented a plan to reduce risks of landslides, but works have advanced only slowly. The plan, presented in 2017, was based on analysis determining that 18% of the city’s territory was at high risk for landslides and flooding.
Local authorities say more than 180 residents who live in at-risk areas were sheltering in schools. More equipment and manpower was expected to help rescue efforts on Thursday.
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro expressed solidarity while on a trip to Russia. Petropolis’ city hall declared three days of mourning for the tragedy.
Southeastern Brazil has been punished with heavy rains since the start of the year, with more than 40 deaths recorded between incidents in Minas Gerais state in early January and Sao Paulo state later the same month.
Death toll passes 150 in Nepal and India floods
More than 150 people have died after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in two Indian states - Uttarakahand and Kerala - and parts of Nepal.
Homes were submerged or crushed by rocks swept into them by landslides, reports BBC.
At least 50 people, including five from a single family, died in Uttarakhand some 77 people died in Nepal, with dozens more missing in both nations.
Read: Floods, landslides kill at least 28 people in southern India
Rains further south in India's Kerala state also triggered deadly floods, leaving another 39 dead there.
Six more bodies were recovered on Wednesday in Uttarakhand, taking the death toll in the Himalayan state, a popular tourist spot, to 52.
Schools have been closed and religious and tourist activities suspended in the state.
The Ganges burst its bank in Rishikesh and the popular Nainital region was severely affected.
Uttarakhand, which normally sees up to 30.5mm (1.2in) of rain for the whole of October, recorded 328mm in a 24-hour period this week.
But the Indian Meteorological Department says the rainfall is now easing.
Rainfall in Nepal may not be so quick to ease.
The worst-affected areas are Panchthar district in east Nepal, and Ilam and Doti in west Nepal.
Read: 21 dead in India floods & landslides
Floods, landslides kill at least 28 people in southern India
Officials predicted more rain as the death toll from floods and landslides in the southern Indian state of Kerala rose to 28 on Monday.
Since the ferocious downpours began last week, swollen rivers have decimated bridges, and vehicles and homes have been swept away. Several dams were nearing full capacity.
K.J. Ramesh, one of India’s top meteorologists and the former chief of the weather agency, said the increased rainfall was linked to climate change and warmer oceans.
“This is definitely a sign of things to come,” he said.
Also read: 21 dead in India floods & landslides
At least 23 people died in Kottayam and Idukki districts, among the worst hit. More than 9,000 people have taken shelter in over 200 camps across the state, officials said.
The heavy rainfall resulted from a low-pressure area that formed over the southeastern Arabian sea and Kerala. It was expected to ease Monday, but the Meteorological Department warned that new rain-bearing winds would hit the region starting Wednesday, bringing more precipitation.
Heavy rainfall is also predicted across several northern and eastern Indian states.
Also read: Heavy rains, landslides leave 18 dead in south India
The National Disaster Response Force and the Indian army deployed teams in Kerala to help rescue efforts.
“I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Twitter.
21 dead in India floods & landslides
At least 21 people have been killed and more than a dozen others missing in flash floods and landslides triggered by heavy post-monsoon showers in the southern Indian state of Kerala, officials said Sunday.
The deaths occurred mostly in Kottayam and Idukki districts, where several houses were swept away following flooding and landslides Saturday, rendering hundreds of people homeless.
Indian armed forces have been carrying out rescue operations alongside the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the local police, since Saturday afternoon.
"So far, 21 bodies have been recovered from under the debris but over a dozen people are still missing. Though the showers have subsided, bad weather is hampering rescue operations in some areas," a senior state government official told the local media.
Read: Bangkok braces for possible flooding as rains continue
Kerala's Chief Minister Pinayari Vijayan held a high-level meeting on Saturday itself and asked officials of the two districts to ensure that all the displaced people were shifted to makeshift camps.
"Masks, sanitisers, drinking water, medicines should be made available in camps," local media quoted the Chief Minister as telling the officials.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Moditook to social media to condole the deaths. "It is saddening that some people have lost their lives due to heavy rains and landslides in Kerala. Condolences to the bereaved families," he tweeted Sunday.
The country's main opposition Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who is a lawmaker from the state of Kerala, also tweeted his condolences to the families of those killed in the deluge.
Read: Faridpur flood: Over 2000ha cropland submerged for nearly four weeks
"My thoughts are with the people of Kerala. Please stay safe and follow all safety precautions," Gandhi tweeted.
Kerala and the western Indian state of Maharashtra witnessed the heaviest monsoon rains this year. In Maharashtra, over 100 people died in landslides in July.
Three years ago, in August 2018, over 400 people died in Kerala in what was touted as the state's worst flooding in a century.
Landslides hit Chattogram, no casualties reported
Although heavy downpours unleashed landslides in the hills of Lalkhan Bazar and Ambagan Floorpass of Chattogram city Thursday, no casualties were reported.
However, steady rains in various parts of the port city and resulting landslides obstructed traffic on several roads.
Following the incidents, the district administration relocated five families from the affected areas and cleared the debris.
Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mominur Rahman said, "The district administration and the Fire Service and Civil Defence officials visited the spots and are taking stock of the situation."
"Amid concerns about more landslides, the district administration has taken steps to relocate people from the risky areas," Mominur added.
Read: 5 of a family killed in Cox’s Bazar landslide
On Wednesday night, more than 400 people living in the hills of Chattogram city were shifted as steady rains continued.
The landslide concerns caused the district administration to immediately relocate the families living in the hills of Lalkhan Bazar, Motijharna, Batali Hill, Akbar Shah, Hill-1, Hill-2 and Bayezid Link Road in the wake of heavy monsoon rain for the last few days.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department forecast nearly 570mm of accumulated rainfall between July 27-30 and issued warnings of heavy rain and risk of landslides in some hilly regions of Chattogram division.
Hilly areas of Chattogram are especially vulnerable to landslides because of widespread deforestation in the hills. On Tuesday, seven people were killed, including five Rohingyas, in landslides triggered by over 20 hours of rain from Monday onwards.
Read: Landslide kills 5 at Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp
Environmentalists say the number of people living at risk in the hills of Chattogram is around 1 lakh. From 2007 to 2020, more than 200 people lost their lives in landslides in Chattogram.
The highest landslide fatalities occurred in 2007 when 127 people died on June 11. Besides, 30 people were killed in a 2017 landslide.
Floods, landslides hit Rohingya camps hard: UNHCR
More than 12,000 refugees have been affected, while an estimated 2,500 shelters have been damaged or destroyed by heavy downpours, the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has said.
In the last 24 hours alone, over 300mm of rain fell on camps hosting more than 8 lakh Rohingya refugees – nearly half the monthly rainfall average for July in one day.
Three days of heavy monsoon rains and strong winds pelted massive refugee sites in Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar Tuesday, causing flash floods and landslides; the situation is further compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, the UNHCR said.
More rains are expected in the next few days, with the monsoon season stretching over the next three months, the UN agency added.
Read: Landslide kills 5 at Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp
There is currently a strict national lockdown in response to rising cases across the country.
In support of the government-led response, the UNHCR's network of emergency response teams have been deployed, to provide immediate support and assistance to affected families and to those forced to temporarily relocate.
Teams are also assessing the damage to shelters and initiating immediate shelter repairs and site improvements.
Refugee volunteers trained by the UNHCR, and partners are also working day and night in heavy rain to help families in urgent need. In some cases, this has involved rescuing refugees from shelters destroyed by landslides.
Read: Govt to vaccinate Rohingyas gradually starting with above-55s: Foreign Secretary
So far, more than 5,000 refugees have temporarily relocated to other family member's shelters or communal facilities.
The adverse weather, latest landslides and floods further exacerbate the suffering and massive humanitarian needs of the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh.
To date, the 2021 Joint Response Plan for the Rohingya humanitarian crisis in Bangladesh has received only $274 million, roughly 30% of the $943 million required for the response this year.
400-plus people evacuated in Chattogram amid fears of landslides
More than 400 people living in the hills of Chattogram city have been shifted as steady rain threatens to unleash more landslides.
The landslide concern caused the district administration Wednesday to immediately relocate the families living in the hills of Lalkhan Bazar, Motijharna, Batali Hill, Akbar Shah, Hill-1, Hill-2 and Bayezid Link Road in the wake of heavy monsoon rain for the last few days.
"They have been moved to four shelters of the city – Al Hera Madrasa, Raufabad Rashidia Madrasa, Firoz Shah Primary School and Lalkhan Bazar Primary School – in the night. Meals and first aid were arranged for them," Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Mominur Rahman told UNB.
Read: 5 of a family killed in Cox’s Bazar landslide
"Also, 25 risky establishments were evicted during a drive," he added.
Momen mourns loss of lives in Maharashtra landslides
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has expressed deep shock over the loss of lives in landslides triggered by monsoon rain floods in Indian State of Maharashtra.
In a message sent to External Affairs Minister of India Dr. S. Jaishankar, Foreign Minister Momen said Bangladesh stands ready at this difficult time to extend support in every possible way as and when required.
Read: Floods & landslides in India kill over 100
He said, in light of increased scourges of climate change, Bangladesh and India need to work together to manage and cope with the post disaster impacts.
Dr Momen mentioned that Bangladesh and India signed an MoU on cooperation for disaster management during the visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in March 2021 to attend the celebrations of Birth Centenary of the Father of the Nation and the Golden Jubilee of Independence of Bangladesh.
Read:Momen mourns loss of lives in deadly floods in Germany
Foreign Minister Momen prayed for the eternal peace of the deceased souls, speedy recovery of the injured persons as well as for the bereaved and affected families so that they have the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Floods & landslides in India kill over 100
More than 100 people have died in landslides and floods triggered by heavy monsoon rains in the western Indian state of Maharashtra over the last two days, officials said on Saturday.
Maharashtra is experiencing the heaviest July rains in four decades. Raigad district, some 70 kms from state capital Mumbai, is the worst hit.
Of the over 100 deaths, some 36 occurred in three landslides in Raigad district alone on Thursday, where several houses were swept away by the floodwaters rendering hundreds homeless.
"While 32 people died in Taliye village, four people were killed in Mahad city. Rescue operations are still on," Raigad district collector Nidhi Chaudhary told the media.
In the neighbouring rain-hit Satara district, some 27 bodies have been recovered in the past 24 hours.
READ: Momen mourns loss of lives in deadly floods in Germany
"The Indian Army has been called out to assist in rescue operations and military choppers have been pressed into action to ferry the stranded to safer locations," said Satara's police chief Ajay Kumar Bansal.
Local TV channels reported that over 84,000 people, including 40,000 in Kolhapur district, have been shifted to safer places.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took to Twitter to offer condolences to the families of the deceased. "Anguished by the loss of lives due to a landslide in Raigad, Maharashtra. My condolences to the bereaved families. I wish the injured a speedy recovery."
"The situation in Maharashtra due to heavy rains is being closely monitored and assistance is being provided to the affected," the PM added.
Barely a week back, some 30 people were killed in house collapses triggered by heavy monsoon rains in Mumbai. The deaths occurred in the hilly Chembur area, a suburb, and neighbouring Vikhroli area.
READ: China blasts dam to divert floods that killed at least 25
The Indian PM then announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Building collapses are common in India, particularly during the monsoon months of June, July and August. Poor construction quality is often blamed for such collapses.
25 die as heavy rains batter India's Mumbai
As many as 25 people have been killed in house collapses triggered by heavy monsoon rains in India's financial capital Mumbai in the past 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.
Mumbai received 177 mm rainfall between 8pm Saturday and 8am Sunday, according to the Indian Meteorological Department.
"While 20 people lost their lives after getting trapped under the debris of their houses in the hilly Chembur area, a Mumbai suburb, five more died in the neighbouring Vikhroli area," a civic body official told the media.
Also read: Indonesia landslides death toll rises to 126, dozens missing
In Vikhroli, a two-storey building collapsed like a pack of cards unable to withstand the heavy overnight showers, the official added.
So far, 15 people have been pulled out alive by rescuers from under the debris in these two areas. "These injured survivors have been admitted to nearby hospitals. The victims include women and kids," he said.
Local TV channels beamed footage of live rescue operations in these areas.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted to offer his condolences and also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of the deceased. "Rs 50,000 would be given to those injured."
Also read: Typhoon, landslides leave 35 dead, 59 missing in Vietnam
A probe has been ordered into the building collapses, the civic body official added.
Building collapses are common in India, particularly during the monsoon months of June, July and August. Poor construction quality is often blamed for such collapses.