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CatastropheBrazil

Brazil: Cities cancel Carnival due to deadly floods

February 20, 2023

Dozens people have died in floods which hit several cities in the north of Sao Paulo state. Pre-lenten Carnival festivities were canceled as the governor requested the army's support.

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A view shows the damage caused by severe rainfall in Ilhabela, Brazil
Severe rainfall shifted grounds and plans for Carnival in Ilhabela, BrazilImage: TRIBUNA DO POVO/REUTERS

Torrential rains hit coastal areas of Brazil's south east, triggering floods and landslides which killed dozens and left hundreds more homeless.

The rains struck the north of Sao Paulo state on Sunday. Two of the hardest hit cities, Sao Sebastiao and Bertioga, canceled their pre-lenten Carnival festivities. Tarcisio de Freitas, the state governor of Sao Paulo, declared a state of emergency in five towns along the coast.

At least 40 people have died as a result of the floods so far, Sao Paulo state authorities said in a statement. The floods left nearly 800 people homeless, according to the state government.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said was set to visit the flood struck areas in Sao Paulo on Monday, describing the events as a "tragedy."

Lula gave a speech in the city of Sao Sebastiao, where record rains had dumped 600 millimeters (nearly 24 inches) of water. The popular beach destination is around 200 kilometers (120 miles) southeast of Sao Paulo.

"Sometimes nature takes us by surprise, but sometimes we also tempt nature," Lula said. "I think it's important that neither happen," he added. "I express my solidarity with the people of Sao Sebastiao and I hope this never happens again."

What do we know about the floods?

Footage across TV and social media showed entire neighborhoods submerged, flooded highways and destroyed vehicles. Residents were seen using small boats to elevate people and items.

The Brazilian Army authorized troops and resources of the military command of the southeast to support the victims, the state government said. The deployment came in response to the governor of Sao Paulo's request.

Two aircrafts were made available to help the search and rescue teams.

Officials said around 500 rescue workers, soldiers and police were working on the rescue effort.

Several roads were blocked due to the debris carried through by the floods. Authorities said they were working to clear the roads on the north coast.

The SP-55 highway blocked by a landslide in the municipality of Ubatuba, north coast of the state of Sao Paulo
Several roads were blocked due to the debris carried through by the floodsImage: Ubatuba Civil Defense/AFP

Heavy rains are projected to continue in Sao Paulo's coastal areas, weather forecasts predicted, which means the death toll is likely to climb.

Wealthy tourists usually flock to the northern coast of Sao Paulo state during Carnival season to escape the big cities' massive street parties.

rmt/ar (AP, AFP, Reuters)