104 killed in Brazil mudslide after rain: At least 13 children are among the dead, officials said

At least 13 children are among the dead, officials said

More than 500 rescue workers, along with neighbours, were still searching for possible survivors, the emergency services said.: @RealMiBaWi

Reuters   |   Rio de Janeiro   |   18.02.22  : The death toll from mudslides in Brazil’s colonial-era city of Petropolis rose to 104 on Thursday and was expected to increase further, with the local morgue being forced to use a refrigerated truck as a back up as more victims were found.

 More than 500 rescue workers, along with neighbours and relatives, were still searching for possible survivors, the emergency services said. A preliminary tally suggested at least 35 more people missing.

“Working overnight, with poor lighting and soggy ground, is always a challenge. But I’m determined to work tirelessly in our search for survivors,” Rio de Janeiro’s civil defence head Leandro Monteiro said.

 At least 13 children are among the dead, officials said.

 They said the authorities were releasing the first bodies for funeral proceedings as families faced the devastation and identified the victims at the morgue that said it was running out of space and had to use the refrigerated truck as well.

 Brazil’s economy ministry said state secretaries across the country decided to allow Rio de Janeiro to extend payments of the ICMS state tax, which is levied on goods and services, for 180 days in light of the disaster.