NEWS IN ENGLISH – Extreme weather (3): Cabo Frio decrees state of emergency after hailstorm

allen — Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:54:55 +0000

Vitor Abdala Reporter Agência Brasil

Rio de Janeiro – Authorities in the beach resort city of Cabo Frio on the coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro decreed a state of emergency last weekend after a severe hailstorm and strong winds. Buildings and homes had roofs torn off and/or were flooded.

Patients at an intensive care unit in the São José Operário Municipal Hospital had to be removed when there was a blackout and equipment failed.

At least 300 families registered at emergency centers for assistance or shelter, or both.

In the city of Rio de Janeiro, the fire department reports that they had to clean up after at least 50 trees were toppled by the high winds.

The weather department says all this was caused by a cold front moving northward through southern and southeastern Brazil. These are winter storms that move into Brazil from Argentina.

Allen Bennett – translator/editor The News in English

Link - Cabo Frio também decreta situação de emergência depois de chuva de granizo