On the afternoon of October 7th, a devastating landslide occurred at a construction site for the Terra Preta port in Amazonas, Brazil, raising fears that over 200 dock workers and local residents could be trapped beneath the rubble. Drones have provided dramatic aerial footage of the wreckage at the port, which is located in the municipality of Manacapuru.
Reports from Brazilian news outlets indicate that the collapse happened when the ground beneath part of the port gave way. Although construction was ongoing, the port was crucial for transportation and remained operational before the incident.
Initial reports confirmed that a family living in a floating home was buried in the debris, and the military fire department in Rio de Janeiro has announced that a child is missing. Witnesses believe that approximately 200 individuals may have become trapped due to the landslide.
The port is a busy hub for cargo operations and includes waiting areas for taxis and mototaxis. In the aftermath of the disaster, floating homes, pipes, and remnants of vehicles have been seen drifting in the adjacent river, underscoring the extent of the calamity. Typically, floating homes in the area are used for both living and recreational activities and rise atop the water’s surface.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Amazonas state government has mobilized firefighters and divers to search for possible victims. The military has also stepped in, deploying the Marine Corps, medical ships, and helicopters to assist in the rescue efforts.
