Queen Elizabeth II posted on her social networks, this Monday (21), a message of solidarity with the victims of the tragedy in Petrópolis (RJ). In the text, she said she was deeply saddened by the loss of life.
The heavy rain that hit the city in the mountain region last Tuesday (15th) left more than 170 dead – so far, 143 victims have been identified. According to the Civil Police, there are at least 110 missing.
The text was also sent to President Jair Bolsonaro (PL). “I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic loss of life and destruction caused by the terrible floods in Brazil.”
“My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost their lives, loved ones and homes, as well as the emergency services and all those working to support recovery efforts,” the message concludes.
This Sunday (20), Buckingham Palace reported that the monarch was diagnosed with Covid-19. She is 95 years old.
According to Petrópolis authorities, on Tuesday it rained, in just six hours (260 mm), the equivalent of the last 30 days (272 mm). Due to the storm, there were landslides in various parts of the city, destroying houses and killing entire families.
Between Tuesday and Sunday, the Civil Defense recorded 949 occurrences due to the rains, of which 775 were due to landslides.
Because of these occurrences, 856 people had to leave their homes and seek shelter at the 12 support points provided by the city hall. The teams that work in public and private hospitals in the city were also reinforced.
To bury the victims of the tragedy, the city government opened new shallow graves (less deep and cheaper) and ruled out a large collective burial “to respect the families’ schedule”.
