Heavy rains lashed the state of Amazonas in northwestern Brazil, triggering landslides in the state capital of Manaus. The Jorge Teixeira neighbourhood was hit particularly hard, with at least 11 houses destroyed and eight people losing their lives.

Local authorities responded quickly to the disaster, working to evacuate the area and provide assistance to affected families. Around 130 houses in the Jorge Teixeira neighbourhood have been identified as at risk or unsafe, leading to dozens of families being displaced. The families were relocated to a local school and provided with essential supplies, including mattresses, food, and hygiene kits.

According to Neila Sardinha, the director of Special Social Protection, the authorities are working to provide long-term support to the displaced families. They are carrying out social registrations, conducting initial consultations, and ensuring that the families receive the Rent Allowance so that they can move out of the school and into rented accommodation.

The heavy rains that caused the landslides were a result of a severe weather event that saw more than 100mm of rainfall in a short period of time. Across the city, more than 120 incidents were reported in connection with the heavy rainfall. As a result of the disaster, Mayor David Almeida announced that a state of calamity would be declared.

The landslides in Manaus serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of extreme weather events. As climate change continues to exacerbate weather patterns around the world, it is more important than ever that governments and communities take steps to mitigate the risks and protect vulnerable populations.