The heaviest rains in decades caused floods and

landslides in Rio de Janeiro

Mudslides swept away shacks in Rio’s hillside slums, turning the city’s main lake and the sea brown during the round-the-clock heavy rains.

Morning flights in and out of the city of six million people – which will host the 2014 soccer World Cup and the 2016 Olympics – were canceled or seriously delayed.

Most victims died in more than 180 mudslides, authorities said. A spokesman for Rio’s fire service said at least 40 injured people were taken to hospitals as the search went on for others reported missing.

“The situation is critical. Roads are flooded and blocked,” Mayor Eduardo Paes said. “We recommend people stay at home.”

(Taken from Telegraph Newspaper)

GLOSSARY

landslide, mudslide – desmoronamento

hillside – encosta

to sweepy away – destruir completamente

shack – barracão

slum – favela

round-the-clock – o tempo todo (durante o dia e a noite)