Feb 22 • 14:11 UTC 🇧🇷 Brazil G1 (PT)

Man who practiced rappelling dies after being hit by a sudden flood in Serra do Cipó

A 35-year-old man died while rappelling in Serra do Cipó, Brazil, after being struck by a sudden flood caused by heavy rain.

A tragic incident occurred in Serra do Cipó, located in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, where a 35-year-old man lost his life while practicing rappelling. He was with a group near the Cachoeira do Batista when a sudden flood, known locally as 'cabeça d'água', swept through, which resulted from heavy rain in the area. Emergency responders from the Corpo de Bombeiros were dispatched to the scene to retrieve the man's body from the waterfall.

The term 'cabeça d'água' refers to a sudden increase in water flow due to intense rainfall upstream, which can pose significant dangers to those engaging in water activities. Cabo Gláuber Fraga from the Corpo de Bombeiros elaborated on how these floods can occur quickly, often without warning, making it crucial for outdoor enthusiasts to remain vigilant about weather conditions. This unfortunate incident highlights the inherent risks associated with outdoor recreational activities, especially in regions prone to sudden weather changes.

The response team faced challenges due to the difficult access to the area, which led to a prolonged recovery effort. Rescuers were able to successfully transport the body to the nearest Basic Health Unit. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and assessing environmental conditions before undertaking adventurous pursuits in nature, especially in areas susceptible to sudden weather fluctuations.

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