'It is a sadness that has no end': says sister of teacher from Levy Gasparian, survivor of landslide in Juiz de Fora
A teacher from Comendador Levy Gasparian, Rogéria Olímpio, survived a landslide caused by heavy rains in Juiz de Fora, but sustained injuries during the incident.
Rogéria Olímpio, a 50-year-old art teacher from Comendador Levy Gasparian (RJ), is among the survivors of the severe landslides triggered by heavy rains in Juiz de Fora (MG). The incident occurred late at night on the 23rd, leading to significant destruction in the area. Rogéria was injured when her home was struck by a landslide while her family was inside, including her husband who was showering at the time and her 16-year-old daughter, who also suffered injuries.
The details of the incident were conveyed by Rogéria's sister, Virgínia Olímpio, who narrated the harrowing experience from her niece's perspective. The family heard loud cracking sounds before their house was filled with debris from landslides, blocking their escape routes and leaving them stranded for approximately 50 minutes. They struggled to find help, showcasing the chaos and urgency surrounding the situation as the family tried to navigate the immediate aftermath of the disaster.
This tragedy highlights the severe impact of natural disasters in Brazil, particularly as climate change leads to increasingly unpredictable weather patterns. The emotional toll on survivors, such as Rogéria's family, is profound, capturing the heart-wrenching consequences of such events. The statement from Virgínia, expressing endless sorrow, resonates with many families affected by similar tragedies across the region, pointing to a larger crisis that continues to unfold in areas susceptible to environmental hazards.