Six members of the same family, including four children have been killed in a landslide in the town of Sardoá in eastern Minas Gerais State in southeastern Brazil on Tuesday 17 December 2013. The incident happened following several days of heavy rain, when part of a hillside covered by a Eucalyptus plantation collapsed onto a house. The dead have been named as Maria Conceição de Souza (50), Vladimir de Souza (24), Wanderson Souza Batista (10), Walace Catarino Costa Souza (9), Gabriela Souza Batista (6) and Leandro de Souza Batista (7). Nine neighbouring families have been evacuated from their homes as a precaution.
The aftermath of the 17 December 2013 Sardoá landslide. Otempo.
December is peak rainy season in Sardoá, with the area typically receiving about 265 mm of rain during the month. Landslides are a common problem after severe weather events, as excess pore water pressure can overcome cohesion in soil and sediments, allowing them to flow like liquids. Approximately 90% of all landslides are caused by heavy rainfall.
The approximate location of the 17 December 2013 Sardoá landslide. Google Maps.
See also Five dead after Columbian landslide, 58 feared dead following Mexican landslide, Landslide kills twelve bus passengers as Hurricane Ingrid makes landfall in Veracruz State, Mexico, 13 killed by landslide in Veracruz State, central Mexico and Six children dead in Honduran landslide.
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