Flash Flood Struck Rio de Janeiro in 1966

Today in Latin American history, a flash flood struck Rio de Janeiro, Brazil killing 400 and displacing 50,000 in 1966.

More than 10 inches of rain fell in 12 hours, causing a flash flood.

The first to suffer from the flash flood were the hillside shack dwellers. The water caused several mudslides that collapsed many homes.

Other events that occurred on this day:

Today in LatAm history, Puerto Rican educator and nationalist Eugenio Maria de Hostos was born in 1839

Today in LatAm history, Mexican film director Alfonso Arau who also acted in 50 roles was born in 1932

Today in LatAm history, Colombian organized crime figure Diego León Montoya Sánchez who was leader of the Norte del Valle drug cartel was born in 1958

Today in LatAm history, Dominican baseball player Manny Acta who was the manager of the Cleveland Indians was born in 1969

Today in LatAm history, Chilean footballer Jaime Valdés who plays for the National team & Parma F.C. was born in 1981