TERESOPOLIS - Efforts to fly rescue helicopters to hundreds of people stranded by massive mud slides were slowed by renewed rains in a region north of Rio de Janeiro, as the Brazilian death toll rose to 633 in a disaster that has left thousands more homeless.
With rainy skies and low visibility in an area full of craggy, steep peaks, officials focused their attention on the survivors they could reach more immediately, mapping out a plan to get people living in tents in the short term, and into safe, affordable housing in the coming months.
Mayor of Teresopolis Jorge Mario Sedlacek, one of the hardest-hit cities, said on Sunday that more than 2000 tents had been brought in, each capable of sheltering up to 10 people.
"They will give families shelter for up to six months while more permanent solutions can be developed," Sedlacek said.
"These tents will at least re-establish the family units, which will bring some comfort to people living in communal shelters."
That could come as good news to people like Magda Brito Silveira, who said she was near her breaking point trying to run her family of six children after five chaotic days in a crowded gymnasium-turned-shelter.
"We have nowhere else to go, no resources," she said. "I am trying to keep the children clean, to feed them, to make sure we're all together. But I can't hold on like this much longer."
A local business has offered land on which to set up the tents, and crews began working to level the ground, Sedlacek said.
The city is also studying the option of erecting modular homes, which can be set up within a few days.
More than R498million has since been approved for Teresopolis and will be used to build homes and shore up areas at risk for more slides, the mayor said.
Two other towns hit by the disaster also won federal funding: R90million for Petropolis, and R35million for Nova Friburgo.
The federal government also offered to pay the rent of 2500 families for an indeterminate period. Sign-ups for the programme started on Sunday, said General Jose Elito, minister for national security.
Authorities will also map out and evacuate high-risk areas where residents are holding on to their homes, said Sedlacek, the mayor.
"We know there are communities that are at immediate risk. The government is planning to remove those residents and place them in shelters or tents," he said.
On Sunday, municipal, state and federal officials set up a centre to register missing persons; began distributing 35000 free cell phones donated by a telecommunications company; and announced immediate plans to relocate some 2500 people housed at the Teresopolis gym to 18 smaller, better organised shelters at churches, warehouses and other spaces.
Rains hamper Brazil rescue efforts as death toll rises
TERESOPOLIS - Efforts to fly rescue helicopters to hundreds of people stranded by massive mud slides were slowed by renewed rains in a region north of Rio de Janeiro, as the Brazilian death toll rose to 633 in a disaster that has left thousands more homeless.
With rainy skies and low visibility in an area full of craggy, steep peaks, officials focused their attention on the survivors they could reach more immediately, mapping out a plan to get people living in tents in the short term, and into safe, affordable housing in the coming months.
Mayor of Teresopolis Jorge Mario Sedlacek, one of the hardest-hit cities, said on Sunday that more than 2000 tents had been brought in, each capable of sheltering up to 10 people.
"They will give families shelter for up to six months while more permanent solutions can be developed," Sedlacek said.
"These tents will at least re-establish the family units, which will bring some comfort to people living in communal shelters."
That could come as good news to people like Magda Brito Silveira, who said she was near her breaking point trying to run her family of six children after five chaotic days in a crowded gymnasium-turned-shelter.
"We have nowhere else to go, no resources," she said. "I am trying to keep the children clean, to feed them, to make sure we're all together. But I can't hold on like this much longer."
A local business has offered land on which to set up the tents, and crews began working to level the ground, Sedlacek said.
The city is also studying the option of erecting modular homes, which can be set up within a few days.
More than R498million has since been approved for Teresopolis and will be used to build homes and shore up areas at risk for more slides, the mayor said.
Two other towns hit by the disaster also won federal funding: R90million for Petropolis, and R35million for Nova Friburgo.
The federal government also offered to pay the rent of 2500 families for an indeterminate period. Sign-ups for the programme started on Sunday, said General Jose Elito, minister for national security.
Authorities will also map out and evacuate high-risk areas where residents are holding on to their homes, said Sedlacek, the mayor.
"We know there are communities that are at immediate risk. The government is planning to remove those residents and place them in shelters or tents," he said.
On Sunday, municipal, state and federal officials set up a centre to register missing persons; began distributing 35000 free cell phones donated by a telecommunications company; and announced immediate plans to relocate some 2500 people housed at the Teresopolis gym to 18 smaller, better organised shelters at churches, warehouses and other spaces.
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