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Deadly floods hit Brazilian city, kill dozens, render hundreds homeless

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Deadly floods have reportedly hit the coastal areas of Brazil’s south east.

According to a report on Sunday, the floods have triggered landslides which killed dozens and rendered hundreds more homeless.

The rains struck the north of Sao Paulo State on Sunday. Two of the hardest hit cities, Sao Sebastiao and Bertioga, canceled their pre-lenten Carnival festivities, the report unveiled.

The state Governor of Sao Paulo, Tarcisio de Freitas, has been compelled to declare a state of emergency in five towns along the coast.

“At least 36 people have died as a result of the floods so far,” Sao Paulo state authorities said in a statement.

He added, “The floods left over 200 people homeless, with 338 more evacuated in the coastal region north of the city of Sao Paulo, according to the state government.”

Brazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he planned to visit the flood struck areas in Sao Paulo on Monday, describing the events as a “tragedy.”

Footage across TV and social media showed entire neighborhoods submerged, flooded highways and destroyed vehicles. Residents were seen using small boats to elevate people and items.

The Brazilian Army authorized troops and resources of the military command of the southeast to support the victims, the state government said. The deployment came in response to the governor of Sao Paulo’s request.

Two aircrafts were made available to help the search and rescue teams.

Several roads were blocked due to the debris carried through by the floods. Authorities said they were working to clear the roads on the north coast.

The SP-55 highway blocked by a landslide in the municipality of Ubatuba, north coast of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil on February 19, 2023.

Heavy rains are projected to continue in Sao Paulo’s coastal areas, weather forecasts predicted, which means the death toll is likely to climb.

Wealthy tourists usually flock to the northern coast of Sao Paulo state during Carnival season to escape the big cities’ massive street parties.

(AP, AFP, Reuters)

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