Over 17 Killed, 45 Missing after Flood in Brazil
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Over 17 people have reportedly been killed and at least 45 more are missing after a dam burst in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais, a report said.
At least 17 people have been killed in the disaster, AFP reported citing firefighters on Thursday.
The dam burst near a working mine in a rural area located about 300 kilometers (185 miles) from Rio de Janeiro.
Witnesses told local media that the town of Bento Rodrigues, with a population of 620 people, has been completely flooded by mud.
“An avalanche of liquid waste destroyed houses, a school, a church, a medical center, carried away vehicles. Many families have been left homeless and are waiting for news about their loved ones. The emergency work is hampered by the fact that the flooded areas are only accessible via helicopters. This is one of the saddest scenes I ever had to witness,” the local health ministry head of Minas Gerais state, Juliano Duarte, said.
Rescue teams are on site looking for survivors. The exact number of dead and injured is still unknown.
Social media images show grave devastation, as rescue operations and evacuations are underway.