19 Killed in Brazil Deadly Mudslide
January 2nd, 2010 | 
Author: ANGRA DOS REIS, BRAZIL–A rain-soaked block of hillside distorted on three houses and an upscale 
waterfront lodge soon after New Year celebrations on an island resort near Rio de Janeiro, killing at least 19 people, authorities said. Another mudslide nearby in the city of Angra dos Reis killed 11.
Ten people were wounded by the resort slide early Friday. Dozens of rescuers jumbled through mud and around tumble trees and huge rocks to look for more survivors. Police helicopters and navy vessels assisted in the effort.
Along with the two deadly mudslides in Angra dos Reis, authorities said nearly 80 mudslides were reported throughout the region, toppling trees and destroying power lines. Rain-related deaths in Rio de Janeiro state from three days of heavy rains reached 50, officials said, with more rain predicted across the region.
Pezao feared the death toll could rise as rescue efforts continue. “We’ll likely encounter a very sad outcome.”
The mudslide at the Pousada Sankay resort in fact took place after tourists had came back to their rooms following the New Year’s carnival at the lodge on Ilha Grande, a 90-minute ferryboat trip from the mainland, said fire department commander Pedro Machado.
Witnesses said the hillside lodge and houses, which can be accessed only by boat, collapsed after being struck by a slab of earth nearly 300 metres wide.
Officials in Angra dos Reis declared three days of mourning and cancelled the city’s annual celebration scheduled for Wednesday.
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