PETROPOLIS, Brazil — Rio de Janeiro state’s government has confirmed 94 deaths from floods and mudslides that swept away homes and cars in the city of Petropolis.
More than 24 hours after the deadly deluge early Tuesday, survivors were digging to find lost loved ones.
Footage posted on social media showed torrents dragging cars and houses through the streets and water swirling through the city.
“I could only hear my brother yelling, ‘Help! Help! My God!’” resident Rosilene Virginia told The Associated Press as a man comforted her.
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.