Brazilian girl dies as Rio water main bursts

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-23510595

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A burst water main in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro has destroyed up to 20 houses, caused the death of a child and injured a dozen more people.

At one point the spurting water reached heights of 20m (65ft) after the pipe burst just after 05:00 (08:00 GMT)

Rescue teams had to use rubber dinghies to reach several areas in the Campo Grande neighbourhood.

"Our job was to get people out of their homes as flooding spread," Col Sergio Simoes told GloboNews TV.

The leak flooded the area in western Rio. Television footage shows many cars being swept away in the strong current that formed.

Three-year-old Isabela Severo dos Santos was caught in the flood in her house, and died on her way to hospital.

Rio de Janeiro state governor Sergio Cabral and mayor Eduardo Paes visited the affected area.

"These families have gone through moments of terror. I am here to lend them my solidarity and support," said Mr Cabral.

The governor promised to re-house those who had lost their homes.

But he was booed by some residents, who complained of lack of public investment in the poorer parts of the city.