flooding and landslides

Some of you may have seen that Rio de Janeiro has recently had torrential rain resulting in flooding, landslides and, sadly, quite a few deaths.  

This is the reply to my email to MFAT (thanks Anna from the Consular Division):

Thank you for your enquiry.  MFAT is not issuing any specific advice for travellers on the recent flooding and landslides in Rio de Janeiro.  It is always advisable, however, to follow any instructions and restrictions that may be issued by the local authorities - i.e restrictions on travel to certain neighbourhoods affected by the flooding.  Our travel advisory for Brazil can be read through the following link: www.safetravel.govt.nz/destinations/brazil.shtml  We do recommend you have comprehensive travel insurance and register your details with us prior to any overseas travel.


I have also looked on Google maps (the terrain view) and ascertained that there aren't any hills near where we are staying.  

And we won't be there for another 5 weeks so the sun should be out by then.