Webdunia - Bharat's app for daily news and videos

Install App

Cities cancel Carnival due to deadly floods in Brazil

Webdunia
Monday, 20 February 2023 (09:39 IST)
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 36 people have died as a result of the floods so far, Sao Paulo state authorities said in a statement. The floods left over 200 people homeless, with 338 more evacuated in the coastal region north of the city of Sao Paulo, according to the state government.

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he planned to visit the flood struck areas in Sao Paulo on Monday, describing the events as a "tragedy."
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.

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.

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. (AP, AFP, Reuters)

Related Article

See All

Top News

Border-Gavaskar series: Australia debutant Nathan McSweeney readying himself for potential Bumrah barrage

South Korea: 2-month-old baby dies from whooping cough

SL vs NZ: Injury sidelines Sri Lanka spinner Wanindu Hasaranga for ODI series against New Zealand

Must Read

Landslides and mudslides: Can they be prevented?

Fungi are adapting to body heat — a 'doomsday scenario'

Could a Syrian war criminal be attending Paris Olympics?

Next Article
Show comments