Severe flooding and destructive landslides are particularly impacting those living in the favelas (slums) on hills around Rio, where about 20 per cent of the city’s population are housed.
Some 4,000 families have been made homeless by the natural disaster, with another 10,000 houses at risk. Over 100 people have died but officials say the toll is likely to rise.
Emergency aid of food, clothes and medical supplies is being prepared for 70,000 people. Continuing rain is hampering the relief efforts. A state of emergency has been declared in the region.
BMS workers
Mark and Suzana Greenwood, and their children Edward and Ana, are based in Rio, and describe life for them this week:
“As we were on our way home on Monday, the heavy rains started. The next morning, we dropped the children at school, only to get home to a call asking us to pick them up again. On the way we heard the mayor of Rio asking everybody not to venture out.
“We live in the grounds of the Baptist seminary and thankfully our house is quite safe. However, some embankments have fallen and some houses might have to be evacuated.
“Our real concern is for those around the city who have lost homes and loved ones.”