Death toll from Brazil flooding and mudslides hits 762

[News_Editor]

Death toll from Brazil flooding and mudslides hits 762

2011-01-21 09:22:25 GMT+7 (ICT)

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL (BNO NEWS) -- Over one week after the devastating mudslides hit the southeastern mountainous region of Brazil and the death toll has now reached 762, according to the latest numbers released by the affected municipalities.

Most of the deaths were reported in Nova Friburgo with 365, while Teresopolis' latest death toll reached 304. Petropolis and Sumiduoro reported 64 and 22 deaths, respectively. In addition, 6 have died in San Jose do Rio Preto and one in Bom Jardim, Brazil's O Globo reported.

However, the death toll could continue to rise as the number of missing people is still uncertain. Teresopolis and Sumiduoro have already reported 182 missing, but other municipalities have not reported any.

In addition, Brazil's Civil Defense has registered 21,500 displaced people, including those having lost their homes.

Rio De Janerio Governor Sergio Cabral on Thursday signed an agreement with several affected cities to begin the registration of homeless families in order for them to have access to social aid.

While the number of fatal victims is still expected to rise, critics say that better communication between the State and Civil Defense and the 92 affected municipalities could have saved hundreds of lives. Meanwhile, officials have blamed lax governmental safety measures regarding the construction of house on steep slopes for the high number of victims.

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