Torrential Rains Lead to Widespread Destruction, Cancelling Carnival Celebrations

A catastrophic weather event has claimed at least 36 lives and left many more missing in São Paulo state, Brazil, after intense rainfall triggered devastating floods and landslides in coastal areas over the weekend. The natural disaster struck as the country was preparing for its vibrant Carnival festivities.

Rescue operations are ongoing in the hardest-hit cities, including São Sebastião, where over 500 workers have been deployed to search for survivors, clear blocked roads, and reconnect isolated communities. However, their efforts are being hindered by persistent heavy rain, which has displaced hundreds of residents and stranded an unknown number of tourists visiting for Carnival.

During a visit to São Sebastião, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva stressed the importance of avoiding construction in areas prone to landslides and flooding, acknowledging both nature’s unpredictability and humanity’s tendency to push against its boundaries.

The state of São Paulo declared a 180-day emergency for six cities affected by the extreme weather, which experts are calling unprecedented. São Sebastião reported 35 fatalities, and neighboring Ubatuba lost a seven-year-old child in the disaster. With carnival events cancelled in many of the hardest-hit areas, the authorities fear the death toll could rise further as search and rescue operations continue.

Col. Henguel Ricardo Pereira, head of São Paulo’s civil defense, expressed concern over the magnitude of the devastation, particularly in the Barra do Sahy area of São Sebastião, where the damage has been most severe. “Sadly, we expect many more deaths,” he commented.

In addition to the loss of life, hundreds of homes have been destroyed, and the mayor of São Sebastião reported that at least 50 houses had collapsed in the city. Rescue teams have faced significant challenges, and many survivors remain trapped under rubble.

In one of the many heart-wrenching stories, a woman named Mailsa recounted how she and her family narrowly escaped as a landslide destroyed their home in the Juquehy municipality. “It was very quick. Either you run, or you die,” she said, describing the terrifying situation as she fled with only her life intact.