Massive flooding and landslides have killed at least 36 people in São Paulo. 35 of those deaths have been reported in São Sebastião. The mayor of Ubatuba also reported that a girl had been killed in his town.
Hundreds more have been displaced and many more evacuated from the devastation.
Video footage shared online reveals neighborhoods flooded, highways, and houses swept away.
Rescue teams are currently racing to search for survivors and clear blocked highways.
In some parts of the city, more than 23.6 of rain fell on Sunday. That is twice the average amount for a month.
“Search and rescue crews are unable to reach various locations; the situation is chaotic,” said Felipe Augusto – mayor of São Sebastio.
We have not yet determined the extent of the damage and are still attempting to rescue the victims.
Mr. Augusto stated that the situation remained “severe” with dozens of people still missing and approximately 50 homes destroyed.
“Unfortunately, there will be many more deaths,” a civil defense officer told Folha de São Paulo newspaper.
Officials report that an additional 228 individuals have been rendered homeless and 338 more have been evacuated from coastal communities north of São Paulo.
Six cities in the state have been declared to be in a state of disaster for 180 days. Those cities include São Sebastio, Caraguatatuba, Ilhabela, Ubatuba, Guarujá, and Bertioga.
Governor Tarcsio de Freitas announced that he has released $1.5 million (£1.2 million) for disaster relief.
Annual Carnival canceled
Carnival celebrations were canceled throughout the whole northern coastline, a destination for affluent travelers seeking to avoid massive street parties.
The event lasts five days in the lead-up to the festival of Lent, and its colorful activities are a symbol of Brazil.
Local media stated that the largest port in South America, Santos, was also closed as a result of winds exceeding 34mph and sea waves of over 1 meter.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has promised to visit the affected areas on Monday. He is currently spending the carnival week in the state of Bahia.
Reacting to the news on Twitter, he expressed his sympathy to the families who had lost loved ones. He then vowed to coordinate the deployment of rescue and medical personnel
Mr. da Silva stated, “We will bring together all levels of government and, with the support of society, treat the injured, search for the missing, and restore roadways, electricity lines, and communications in the region.”
More than 230 people were killed last week when torrential rain hit the city of Petropolis. it is believed that more rain is expected in the coming days which would make rescue a lot harder.
