The intense and persistent rains hit the north coast of the state of São Paulo on Saturday and Sunday night, causing roadblocks, landslides, flooding, collapses, and affecting water supply in the region.
In São Sebastião, one of the most affected areas, as of Monday afternoon (20), the death of 36 people associated with the rains has been confirmed. According to the state governor, Tarcísio de Freitas, there are at least 40 people missing, but the number could be even higher as there are people trapped under debris.
The city hall canceled all planned carnival programming and declared a state of public calamity. According to the municipal administration, the city recorded 600 millimeters of rain in 24 hours – the historical average for the entire month of February is 229mm – and is facing occurrences of collapses, landslides, and flooding. The guidance to tourists and residents is to only leave home in case of emergency.
In Ubatuba, the city hall reported that, on Monday morning (20), there were 15 flooded streets in the city. Sections of the Rio-Santos highway, which crosses the municipality, were closed in both directions due to landslides.
The city is also facing problems with water supply. According to the Basic Sanitation Company of the State of São Paulo (Sabesp), responsible for the municipality’s water supply, the heavy rains compromised the water quality of the source where the water is collected to supply the region. Forty neighborhoods in Ubatuba were affected.
President Lula flew over the affected areas on Monday and met with the governor of São Paulo to take measures together to contain the crisis.
In a message released on Sunday night on Twitter, Lula stated that all levels of government will be gathered and, with the solidarity of society, will attend to the injured, search for the missing, restore highways, and reestablish energy and telecommunications connections in the region. He lamented the deaths and expressed solidarity with the families.
Source: Agência Brasil