Natural disaster in Brazil: 36 people died as a result of heavy rains

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Torrential rains in coastal areas in southeastern Brazil triggered floods and landslides that killed 36 people and forced hundreds from their homes, Sao Paulo state authorities said in a statement on Sunday , February 19, writes Reters.

Rescuers continue to search for victims, reconnect isolated communities and clear roads, some of which remain blocked, trapping an undetermined number of Brazilian carnival celebrations.

Weather forecasts indicate that torrential rains will continue in the coastal zone of Sao Paulo, which will create difficulties for rescuers and increase the likelihood of an increase in the death toll.

The federal government has announced the mobilization of security forces, utilities and first responders to assist the victims, restore infrastructure and begin recovery work. The state of São Paulo declared a 180-day natural disaster in six cities after what experts called an unprecedented extreme weather event.

On Monday, Sao Paulo Gov. Tarcisio de Freitas will meet with federal officials to coordinate the response to the tragedy.

According to a local news outlet, operations at the port of Santos, the largest in Latin America, were interrupted due to wind gusts exceeding 55 kilometers per minute and waves over one meter high on Saturday.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who opened the carnival in the state of Bahia in northeastern Brazil , is due to visit the main affected areas on Monday, his office said.

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