Death toll rises to 65 due to landslides on the coast of southeastern Brazil
The number of people who died due to floods and landslides occurring for a week on the coast of the state of São Paulo, in the southeast region of Brazil, has risen to 65, according to the latest report released Sunday afternoon by local authorities.
The government of the state of São Paulo said in a statement that rescuers have so far recovered the lifeless bodies of 65 people, including 19 children.
Most of the fatalities have been in the poor neighborhood of Vila Sahy, next to the beach of Barra do Sahy, in the municipality of São Sebastiao, which is also home to some of the most exclusive resorts in southeastern Brazil.
This marginalized neighborhood is located in a high-risk area, as it is situated on the slopes of the Serra do Mar mountain range.
Local authorities have also counted 2,440 people who had to be evacuated after losing their homes or were forced to leave due to the risk of new landslides.
“The priority continues to be the relief of the victims,” said the government of São Paulo, detailing the actions of the Civil Defense.
Rescue groups stopped this Sunday the search for missing people in the area to continue in an area adjacent to the exclusive beach of Baleia.
On February 19, the coastal municipalities of São Sebastiao, Bertioga, Guarujá, Ilhabela, Caraguatatuba, and Ubatuba in São Paulo registered an all-time record of rainfall in less than 24 hours.
São Paulo authorities have asked to avoid tourism-related activities in the region not to affect the local population and the service sector and to keep the roads free.
According to information from the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development, it is estimated that in Brazil, around 4 million people live in 14,000 at-risk areas such as hillsides, ravines, or riverbeds.
SÃO PAULO SUSCEPTIBLE TO NATURAL DISASTERS
The state of São Paulo, located in southeastern Brazil, is known for its diverse geography, including mountain ranges, forests, and coastal areas. However, this varied landscape also makes it susceptible to natural disasters such as floods and landslides, particularly during the rainy season.
Floods occur when water overflows its banks and inundates surrounding areas, often causing damage to homes, buildings, and infrastructure.
In São Paulo, floods can be caused by heavy rainfall or rivers and streams overflowing during periods of high water flow.
On the other hand, landslides occur when large amounts of soil, rock, or debris move rapidly down a slope, often triggered by heavy rain, earthquakes, or other natural events.
To mitigate the impacts of floods and landslides, the government of São Paulo has implemented various measures, such as building levees and drainage systems, enforcing zoning regulations, and conducting risk assessments in high-risk areas.
However, despite these efforts, natural disasters continue to pose a threat to the state’s residents and infrastructure.
More: Brazil news in English, every day from The Rio Times.
This article was drafted with automated assistance and reviewed before publication. How we use AI · Report an error · Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief