Nielmar Oliveira Reporter Agência Brasil

Rio de Janeiro – The official death toll from the rains in the mountains above the city of Rio de Janeiro in the state of Rio de Janeiro ("região serrano"), has risen above 600. This is the latest information, as of 9:00 am Monday, January 17. The official number of deaths is now 641.
 According to the state Secretariat of Health and Civil Defense, based on information furnished by the Civil Police, Fire Department and Civil Defense authorities, a total of 292 people were killed in the city of Nova Friburgo and 271 in Teresopolis - the two cities hardest hit by the rainfall, floods and mudslides. People also died  in a number of other cities in the state, mainly Petropolis and Sumidouro.
The area devastated depends largely on tourism and commerce (Nova Friburgo is a lingerie center) and lost revenue will run into the millions. Most commercial establishments in the region aremain closed. Residents are having trouble with potable water, food and medical supplies. Some estimates on the cost of reconstruction are that it will reach R$2 billion.

 
Allen Bennett – translator/editor The News in English - content updated
Link - Número de mortos na região serrana do Rio sobe para 617
Link - Região serrana do Rio já tem 641 mortos por causa das chuvas
Link - Moradores da região serrana do Rio ainda não sabem como recomeçar
Link - Escassez e carestia agravam tragédia da região serrana do Rio de Janeiro