In January, Brazil saw the largest rainfall measured there since 1967, with some areas receiving in just 10 days more than their average monthly rainfall.
The resulting floods and mudslides killed over 640 people in the state of Rio de Janeiro, with the most damage around the cities of Petropolis, Teresopolis and Nova Friburgo, north of Rio. Roads, bridges, businesses and homes were destroyed, leaving about 6,000 people homeless and 8,000 more displaced to shelters.