State of emergency after heavy rains hit Recife, claiming lives of at least 7 people, Brazil

Heavy rains hit Recife, capital of Brazil's northeastern state of Pernambuco on Thursday, June 13, 2019, causing massive floods and landslides in which at least 6 people lost their lives. Three others are still missing.

According to Pernambuco Water and Climate Agency, the city recorded 117 mm (4.6 inches) of rain in just 6 hours. This is roughly the equivalent the city sees in 10 days during the month of June.

Five people were killed when a landslide buried 4 houses in the town of Camaragibe, on the outskirts of Recife. Another person died in the municipality of Jabotao dos Guararapes, Recife metro area after another landslide hit the area. The 6^th casualty was a woman whose body was found inside a car submerged in a tunnel. 

Two children and a 20-year-old man are missing, presumably swept away by floodwaters.

Camaragibe City Hall has declared a state of emergency.

Featured image credit: TV Jornal