Floods and Mudslides in Brazil

Rescuers are racing against time in south eastern Brazil to locate survivors among those who are still missing, following heavy rainfall that led to flooding and mudslides, resulting in the deaths of at least 46 people over the weekend.

The popular beach city of São Sebastião, located about 200 kilometres southeast of São Paulo, experienced more than double the expected monthly rainfall of 680 millimetres in just 24 hours. According to the state government, this was a record downpour for the area, and the Inmet weather service predicted that rainfall would continue in the region this week. Despite emergency teams retrieving more bodies from the disaster zone on Tuesday, authorities have issued a warning until Wednesday for the possibility of further landslides in the area.

The governor’s office has stated that search and rescue efforts are ongoing, but the persistent wet weather has hindered the work of over 1,000 personnel, supported by vehicles, helicopters, and engineering teams. The death toll has been increased from 44 to 46, with all fatalities occurring in São Sebastião, except for one in the Ubatuba seaside resort.