At least 12 dead after heavy rains hit Rio de Janeiro, state of emergency declared

At least 12 people lost their lives following heavy rainfall in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro. The torrential rains flooded homes, hospitals, and metro lines, bringing daily life to a standstill. Several incidents of drowning, electrocution, and landslides were reported. Eighteen towns in the state continue to remain at a "high" risk of further landslides.

Eduardo Paes, the mayor of Rio de Janeiro, declared a state of emergency and issued a plea for residents to avoid moving through flooded regions. Authorities warned of anticipated moderate to heavy rainfall and lightning.

Authorities have issued warnings advising against swimming in lakes or the sea and cautioned the residents to stay away from sockets, windows, and metal doors while at home. The country's meteorological department has stated that the current rainfall is the result of a combination of heat, humidity, and areas of low pressure in the atmosphere.

Videos that have surfaced on social media show residents wadding through streets submerged in waist-high water. Some were even seen taking shelter on rooftops, calling for assistance as helicopters hovered above.

At least 2,400 military personnel were mobilized to combat the crisis, ambulances, boats, drones, and aircraft have been deployed to rescue residents and monitor the areas worst affected.​