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Brazil landslides around Petropolis kill at least 13 | Brazil landslides around Petropolis kill at least 13 |
(35 minutes later) | |
At least 13 people have been killed in landslides in a mountainous area north of Rio de Janeiro, after heavy rains. | At least 13 people have been killed in landslides in a mountainous area north of Rio de Janeiro, after heavy rains. |
The landslides hit the city of Petropolis, about 40 miles north of Rio, after a river burst its banks and flooded the city centre. | The landslides hit the city of Petropolis, about 40 miles north of Rio, after a river burst its banks and flooded the city centre. |
A baby and two emergency workers are among the victims, authorities say. | |
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said more "drastic measures" may be needed to remove people living in areas of risk who ignore warnings. | |
"Our prevention system warns the people," she told Brazilian media in Rome after a meeting the head of Food and Agriculture Organization, fellow Brazilian Jose Graziano. | |
"What I think is that a little more drastic measures will have to be taken so people don't stay where they are not supposed to be." | |
More rain | |
An emergency task group of the Brazilian National Force has been sent to the region to assist local authorities. | |
Authorities say some areas had as much as 300mm of rain in 24 hours, whilst the normal monthly average for this time of year is around 270mm. | |
At least 50 people are believed to have lost their homes. | |
The area around Petropolis has seen deadly landslides before - 900 people were killed in an incident in 2011. | The area around Petropolis has seen deadly landslides before - 900 people were killed in an incident in 2011. |
The BBC's Julia Carneiro in Rio says promises from the authorities to invest in measures to prevent similar landslides were not fully implemented. | |
The city remains on high alert and further heavy rain is forecast. Schools are closed and residents have been told to stay in their homes. | The city remains on high alert and further heavy rain is forecast. Schools are closed and residents have been told to stay in their homes. |
Brazilian television has broadcast pictures showing houses destroyed and roads blocked by the landslides. |