Rio De Janeiro - SPA
Torrential rains are causing chaos in Rio de Janeiro, snarling traffic, closing airports, halting commuter trains and leaving one man missing after he fell into a swollen river. According to AP, some took to the streets in jet skis to rescue neighbors from homes surrounded by water. Commuters were seen standing atop buses as waters rose to the windows. Sirens warning citizens against mudslides rang in more than 40 poorer neighborhoods. Mayor Eduardo Paes asked the population to stay indoors and avoid the streets. Officials say one western Rio neighborhood received 2.5 inches (63 millimeters) of rain in just one hour early Wednesday. Other areas saw nearly 5 inches (124 millimeters) fall since midnight. Rains lessened by early afternoon, but a steady drizzle still fell over most of the city.