Santa Maria city hall confirms second death in landslide on Morro do Cechella; there is a risk of new barrier falls

One Landslide in Morro do Cechella, in Bairro Itararé, in Santa Maria, hit three houses this Wednesday afternoon (1st). The Fire Department announced the death of a female person, who was identified as Emily Ulguin da Rocha, 17 years old. Later, City Hall confirmed another death, but did not identify the victim. The suspicion is that it is the young woman’s mother, who is still missing.

According to the city hall, 10 people are homeless and another 2 were injured. UA rock, which was attached to the hill, would have come loose and hit the homes.

Rua Canário remains blocked for the Fire Department to operate. Rescue teams use a backhoe and a bucket to help remove the debris. While the rescue work was being done, A new landslide occurred, causing a rush of residents and professionals in the area of ​​Safety and Health. With the intensity of the rain, residents of houses close to the hill had to evacuate their homes urgently.

Mayor Jorge Pozzobom has just arrived at the scene and lamented the fact:

– It is a completely atypical situation. It is a time to remain calm and take the necessary measures. The most important thing right now is to save lives.

The Military Brigade, the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) and the Homicide and Personal Protection Police Department (DPHPP) are also on site.

The delegate of DPHPP, Marcelo Arigony, in an interview, said that the searches were suspended due to the storms.

In According to the social worker from the Santa Maria City Hall Housing Department Michele Aguette, two buses are on site to take these people to a shelter that is being set up at the Santa Catarina Church, which is in the neighborhood.

According to information gathered by the report on site, The scene is one of concern, with local residents leaving the area with their pets and the clothes on their backs. People from other neighborhoods also arrive, looking for information about family members who live nearby.

– It was ugly, horrible. It’s life, we need to fight to be strong. I was in the rescue, I was helping at the scene. My house was not hit, but they told me to evacuate, as it is close to the landslide. I have a place to go with my family, but I also think about those who can’t – he says Yuri Ramos, resident of the neighborhood.

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*Alexander de Grandi, Gilberto Ferreira and Rafael Menezes collaborated.

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