At least 36 people died on Carnival weekend in southeast Sao Paulo state as a result of flooding and landslides brought on by severe rain in Brazil, according to authorities.
TV and social media footage from the municipality of São Sebastiao displayed numerous damages, including entire neighbourhoods submerged under water, hillside house rubble washed away by leaking dirt, flooded roadways, and cars destroyed by falling trees.
According to the state authorities, Sao Sebastiao saw at least 35 fatalities, while news sources said a girl was also killed in the town of Ubatuba.
Speaking with newsmen, the state civil defence chief, Henguel Pereira, said, “Unfortunately, we are going to have many more deaths.”
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The state government previously reported that 338 people were evacuated and another 228 were left homeless in the coastal area north of Sao Paulo as rescue workers rushed to aid those affected by the storm.
The number of people who were either missing or hurt was not disclosed by the police.
Tarcisio de Freitas, governor of Sao Paulo state, flew over weather-devastated districts and proclaimed an emergency in five coastal municipalities. He made the equivalent of $1.5 million available for rescue efforts.
Story was adapted from The Guardian