Dozens Killed, Hundreds of Thousands Displaced After Torrential Rain Hit São Paulo

On Sunday, heavy rains impacted São Paulo, Brazil which led to landslides and flooding that caused the death many and displacement of hundreds of thousands.

(Photo : Miguel Schincariol/AFP via Getty Images)

Torrential Rain Lashes São Paulo 

São Paulo, Brazil's largest and most populous city, received a total of 3.63 inches (92.20 mm) of rain from Wednesday through Sunday, with about 2.05 inches (52.07 mm) coming down in a deluge on Saturday, as per AccuWeather. 

"A stalled front led to rain and thunderstorms across São Paulo from Wednesday into Monday,"  according to AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Jason Nicholls. 

The Ground in impacted area had already been saturated because of what Nichols called "beneficial" rainfall that fell earlier in January. On Jan. 16 and Jan. 26, the city recorded 1.97 and 1.14 inches of rain, respectively. 

From the beginning of January till the end, the city has received 9.29 inches (236 millimeter) of rain, well exceeding the average of 7.44 inches (189 mm) that falls in January.

Also Read: New Analysis Reveals Intensity of Extreme Rainfall May Keep Increasing

Death Cases Recorded Due to the Event

The Associated Press reported that 19 people died as a result of the severe rains that fell over the state, and that more than 500,000 people were forced to abandon their homes because of the rising waters. According to the Associated Press, the dead toll from the mudslide rose to 24 on Monday. 

According to Yahoo News, a landslide in the city of Embu das Artes claimed the lives of three members of the same family, according to the local authority. Firefighters saved the lives of four other people. 

Governor Joao Doria of São Paulo announced that four children had perished in Francisco Morato.

Officials also confirmed that four people were killed in Franco da Rocha, while two others were killed near the cities of Ribeirao Preto and Jau, which are located about 200 and 175 miles north of São Paulo, respectively. Floodwaters had washed away three of the victims. 

At least seven children have perished in weather-related accidents in the state of Sao Paulo, according to a report by Al Jazeera.

(Photo : NELSON ALMEIDA/AFP via Getty Images)

Efforts to Help Affected Cities

Following an aerial evaluation of the damage on Sunday, Doria announced the release of $2.8 million in financial aid to the state of São Paulo and its 645 municipalities, including other affected area.

As a result of the excessive rain, the city of São Paulo had to cancel scheduled vaccinations for COVID-19. According to the AP, the number of homeless individuals in the city has risen by 30% during the COVID-19 outbreak. 

19 people have been killed by heavy rains in the state of Minas Gerais, which borders São Paulo to the north and is located in the southeast of Brazil.

Related Article: Intense Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Uruguay's Capital Due to Torrential Rain

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