Heavy rains in Pernambuco caused four deaths in Recife and Olinda, affecting two families with mothers and children. The Civil Defense reports 422 homeless and 1,068 displaced. President Lula mobilized federal support for the affected areas.
Intense rains hit Pernambuco since Thursday night, April 30, intensifying in the early hours of May 1. Four people died: in Dois Unidos, Recife, Jaqueline Soares da Silva, 24, and son Riquelmy, 6, were buried alive. In Passarinho, Olinda, a 20-year-old mother and her 6-month-old baby were found dead after a barrier slide.
Firefighters rescued 340 people, including 16 isolated, and treated five injured. Pernambuco Civil Defense reports 422 homeless, 1,068 displaced, and 11 shelters operating. Most affected municipalities include Goiana (146 homeless), Olinda (170 homeless, five injured, two deaths), and Recife (two deaths).
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced federal support. "I immediately ordered federal support to local authorities," he wrote on X. Minister Waldez Góes activated National Civil Defense and guided emergency recognition to speed up resources. The Health Ministry mobilized the SUS National Force.
Paraíba faces orange alert with 30-60 mm per hour rains in cities like João Pessoa and Cabedelo, risking floods and tree falls.
