Cae a helicopter during rescue operations in Rio de Janeiro

RIO DE JANEIRO, 20 At least five people were injured Thursday when hurrying Brazilian Army helicopter during rescue operations in the municipality of Nova Friburgo, in Rio de Janeiro state, where 746 people have been killed by heavy rains . The helicopter reportedly lost control of a strong wind when landing maneuvers performed in an agricultural area of Nova Friburgo.

Despite these difficulties, the pilot managed to land on a mountain of debris but the unit suffered heavy damage. In the aircraft traveled a total of five people: three soldiers and two passengers. All have been taken to hospitals and health centers nearby with minor injuries, as reported by local media the State Secretariat of Health.

This is one of 12 helicopters of the Brazilian Armed Forces are being used for rescue work in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where thousands of people have lost their homes because of one of the worst natural disasters to hit this country in recent decades.

• Rio de Janeiro Mudslides, Floods Kill 349 People (13/01/2011)
• Rio de Janeiro Mudslides, Floods Kill 349 People - BusinessWeek (13/01/2011)
• Brazil Floods Kill Dozens (12/01/2011)
• Families search for missing as death toll rises in Brazilian floods (18/01/2011)
• Brazil Flood Toll Reaches 640 (17/01/2011)

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