Heavy rains leave 36 dead in Brazil, cities cancel Carnival
First Published: 20th February, 2023 12:49 IST
The cities of Sao Sebastiao, Ubatuba, Ilhabela and Bertioga, some of the hardest hit and now under state of calamity
Heavy rain caused flooding and landslides that have killed 36 people in Brazil’s north Sao Paulo state, officials said Sunday, and the fatalities could rise.
Sao Paulo state government said in a statement that 35 died in the city of Sao Sebastiao and a 7-year-old girl was killed in neighboring Ubatuba.
The cities of Sao Sebastiao, Ubatuba, Ilhabela and Bertioga, some of the hardest hit and now under state of calamity, canceled their Carnival festivities as rescue teams struggle to find missing, injured and feared dead in the rubble.
“Our rescue teams are not managing to get to several locations; it is a chaotic situation,” said Felipe Augusto, the mayor of Sao Sebastiao. Later, he added there are dozens of people missing and that 50 houses collapsed in the city due to the landslides.
Augusto posted on social media several videos of widespread destruction in his city, including one of baby being rescued by locals lined up on a flooded street.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said on Twitter he will visit the region Monday.
Sao Paulo state government said in a statement that precipitation in the region has surpassed 600 millimeters (23.6 inches) in one day, one of the highest amounts ever in Brazil in such a short period.
Bertioga alone had 687 millimeters during that period, the state government said.
Gov. Tarcisio de Freitas said in a statement he requested support from the army, which sent two airplanes and rescue teams to the region.
TV footage showed houses flooded with only the roof visible. Residents are using small boats to carry items and people to higher positions. A road that connects Rio de Janeiro to the port city of Santos was blocked by landslides and floodwaters.
The northern coast of Sao Paulo state is a frequent Carnival destination for wealthy tourists who prefer to stay away from massive street parties in big cities.
COMMENTS

TOPMOST STORY NOW

Live Tensions Soar in Tripura Over Kokborok Script Row, Students Threaten Statewide Agitation
18th March 2025
Live Missing Manipur Youth’s Mother Appeals for His Safe Return, Meets Top Officials
18th March 2025
Live Excitement Soars in Shillong as India Gears Up for Historic Football Clash Against Maldives Tomorrow
18th March 2025
Live Karnataka School Shut, Owner and Hostel Warden Arrested After 2 Meghalaya Students Die
18th March 2025WE RECOMMEND

Israel airstrikes southern Syria, killing 2 and injuring 19
The army further stated that it "will not allow the presence of military threats in southern Syria and will operate against it."
18th March 2025
Nepali Student’s Fiery Speech About Country’s Future Goes Viral Worldwide, Gets Likened to Adolf Hitler
Ora’s speech continues to ignite discussions online, leaving a lasting impact on viewers worldwide.
17th March 2025
MHA seeks umbrella probe in cases of illegal Bangladeshi nationals
In a special operation, Delhi Police arrested more than 20 Bangladeshi nationals who were residing illegally in the national capital.
16th March 2025
SpaceX, NASA launch mission to bring back astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore from ISS
Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore have been stranded on the ISS for nine months after reaching there in June last year.
15th March 2025
“We agree to ceasefire, but…”: Putin thanks Trump, PM Modi for efforts to resolve Ukraine conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made his first public remarks on Ukraine‘s willingness to negotiate a ceasefire, expressing gratitude to world leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, for their efforts in addressing the conflict.Speaking at a joint press conference with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, Putin said that Russia agrees with […]
14th March 2025