Floods and landslides have killed at least 40 people and left dozens missing in Sao Paulo, Brazil, since Sunday (19/2).
The provincial government of Sao Paulo said the total number of people who died as a result of the disaster had reached 40. In more detail, 39 people came from Sao Sebastiao, and one girl came from Ubatuba City.
It is reported that the number of flood victims will continue to increase, bearing in mind that many victims are buried under landslides.
One of the residents in Sao Sebastiao, Vanessa Cristina Caetano, witnessed the flood sweeping through her area.
“We heard the terrible sound of trees falling and glass shattering. “Water came through the bathroom window; it just hit,” Caetano said.
Some described how entire families tried to save trapped relatives, while others described losing their homes and everything in them.
“I don't know what to do; I lost everything.” Everything was buried. “We couldn't save anything,” said domestic worker Patricia (31).
However, happiness still remained in him after he managed to save his 9-year-old and 15-year-old children.
Floods hit Sao Paulo last weekend. Authorities say up to 600 millimeters of rain fell on the region in 24 hours.
After the flood, the government deployed an emergency team, the army, and police to search for and rescue victims. They also sent helicopters, planes, and heavy vehicles to assist in the operation.
Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas also declared a state of emergency for five days due to the floods.
Not only that, Brazilian President Lula da Silva visited the affected areas on Monday.
During that visit, Lula vowed the government would support the reconstruction effort. He also called for a halt to construction on the disaster-prone lowlands and slopes.
“This is important so that people don't build more houses in places like that, which can cause more victims due to floods and landslides,” said Lula.
Brazil has been frequently hit by weather-related disasters in recent years. Climate change, according to experts, has the potential to exacerbate the disaster.
Floods and landslides will also hit Petropolis City in 2022. As a result of this disaster, 230 people died.
