RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The Nova Friburgo City Hall, in the mountain region of the state of Rio de Janeiro, has decreed an emergency situation due to the damage caused by the heavy downpour that has been affecting the city since Thursday, January 2nd.
The decree, which is valid for 180 days, was published in the Electronic Official Gazette on Friday night, January 3rd. The emergency situation enables access to emergency services, should the need arise.
The storm led to overflowing rivers, sinking of pavement in several neighborhoods and landslides on slopes. There are no displaced or homeless people. The advice is for residents in high-risk areas to remain in a safe location and be attentive to Civil Defense warnings.
The Civil Defense reported that the city was under attention on Saturday, January 4th, due to the possibility of moderate to heavy rainfall, particularly in the afternoon and evening.
The Ministry of Regional Development reported on Friday, January 3rd, that it is monitoring occurrences of heavy rainfall in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, and São Paulo through the National Secretariat of Protection and Civil Defense (SEDEC).
In a note, the portfolio said that Secretary Colonel Alexandre Lucas made telephone contact with those in charge of the civil defense of the affected states to obtain information about the damage and to provide support from the federal government.
Should the most affected states or municipalities require financial support, a decree of emergency or public calamity must be issued and the request for federal approval forwarded to the SEDEC, through the Integrated Natural Disaster Information System.
Once the ordinance recognizing the fact has been published in the Federal Gazette, the body may apply for resources for rescue actions, assistance, reinstatement of critical services and rebuilding.