The death toll from the devastating floods and landslides that hit the coastal region of Sao Paulo state in Brazil has risen to 44, with nearly 2,500 people left homeless or displaced. Rescue operations are still ongoing as roads remain blocked by mudslides.
Gabriel Bonavides, who was in a rented house with friends when the disaster occurred, told AFP that “there was no way to go anywhere” and they had to return by boat. The town of Sao Sebastiao was the hardest hit, with 43 of the 44 deaths occurring there after a torrent of mud and debris swept through the town, leaving homes inundated and residents combing through the wreckage.
The floods came after the town received a record 600mm (24 inches) of rain in just 24 hours. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said that the tragedy underscores the need for more careful building practices, as natural disasters can become more deadly when paired with factors like poor construction or development in areas prone to flooding.
About 9.5 million people in Brazil are estimated to live in zones at high risk for flooding and landslides, many of them in impoverished communities with improvised construction. Carnival events were cancelled in impacted areas such as Sao Sebastiao, Ubatuba, Ilhabela and Bertioga.
President Lula promised that Sao Sebastiao could “count on the federal government” and said that the town would be rebuilt with housing erected in safer areas. Authorities reported that more than 760 lost their homes during the disaster and more than 1,730 had been temporarily evacuated. Early on Tuesday, residents of Juquehy near Sao Sebastiao were on edge as renewed rainfall resulted in more landslides. About 80 people left their homes, but no casualties were reported.
The tragedy has highlighted the need for better construction practices and development in areas prone to flooding and landslides. Brazil must prioritize the safety of its citizens by investing in better infrastructure and providing assistance to those affected by the disaster. It is also important to ensure that those living in high-risk areas are aware of the dangers and have access to emergency services if needed.