Insights

Anarchy and chaos as military police strike continues

Over than 100 people have reportedly been killed, with schools and businesses closing and public transportation grinding to a halt, as the six-day strike in the Brazilian state of Espirito Santo shows no signs of ending. Chaos and anarchy, spurred by the strike, has worsened in the coastal state north of Rio de Janeiro, despite the deployment of 1200 army soldiers, with federal police promising that more help was on the way. Most of the violence is centred in the state capital Vitoria, a wealthy port city surrounded by golden beaches, where mining and petroleum industries have a strong base. State officials have said that they need hundreds more federal troops and members of an elite federal police force to help establish order and make up for the 1800 state police who normally patrol Vitoria's metropolitan area.

Those who plan to travel to or within Brazil are advised to be aware of the current military police strike, which has resulted in anarchy and chaos in Espirito Santo. Over 100 people are reported to have been killed. It is advisable to stay indoors until the military police have resumed their positions, due to the credible risk of violence. Monitor local media for more information concerning the violence and plan your travel accordingly.