Search Continues For Bodies In Brazil Cliff Collapse

News Americas, NEW YORK, NY, Mon. Jan. 10, 2022: The search continued today for anyone trapped below the surface following a cliff collapse at the Furnas Lake in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, on January 9, 2022.

A large rock fragment broke off a ravine and plunged onto several tourist boats leaving ten people dead at the nearby canyons of Furnas Lake.

Divers continued to search the lake for a third day today, trying to ensure that no other bodies were trapped below the surface. Thirty-two survivors were taken to hospitals, some with serious injuries.

Minas Gerais Gov. Romeu Zema pledged “solidarity with the families” of those killed or injured and promised a thorough investigation would take place.

“We are on high alert due to the high volume of rain that fell in several parts of Minas,” Zema said, adding that authorities were “acting to contain the risks through the civil defense” and other agencies.

Zema said heavy rains in recent weeks have overwhelmed the region, driving more than 17,000 people from their homes and possibly adding to the instability of the cliffs.

The Brazilian navy is aiding the rescue and said it would investigate the accident.

Furnas Lake was created in 1958 as part of a hydroelectric plant. It’s a popular tourist area, and Capitolio, which has about 8,400 residents, can draw 5,000 visitors on a normal weekend and up to 30,000 on holidays.