ByREUTERS

Heavy rains that hit northeastern Brazil over the last 48 hours have killed ​at least six people and displaced thousands ‌in the states of Pernambuco and Paraiba, the federal government said in a statement on Saturday.

In Pernambuco, rainfall ​caused flooding and landslides in the state ​capital, Recife and nearby areas. Two people died ⁠in Recife and two in neighboring Olinda, ​while around 1,500 were displaced or left homeless.

In Paraiba, ​two people died and 1,800 were displaced or homeless, according to Brazil's Integration and Regional Development Ministry, which said ​the most affected cities included Conde, state capital ​Joao Pessoa and Campina Grande.

The National Center for Risk and Disaster Management issued 22 alerts during the critical period of rainfall. "Due to the impacts in Pernambuco and Paraiba and the weather forecast for the ​region, the operational ​level was ⁠raised to maximum alert," the ministry said.

A drone view shows partially damaged houses next to a mudslide on a hill in the Tres Moinhos neighborhood, following heavy rains that killed residents and left people missing, in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais state, Brazil.
A drone view shows partially damaged houses next to a mudslide on a hill in the Tres Moinhos neighborhood, following heavy rains that killed residents and left people missing, in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. (credit: REUTERS/PILAR OLIVARES)

Thousands displaced, at least six dead

While rainfall has eased and the ​situation is improving, vigilance remains necessary throughout ​Saturday, ⁠it added.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on X he had spoken with local authorities ⁠to offer ​support. "The government continues to monitor ​the situation to provide all necessary assistance," he added.