Of late, torrential downpour has affected both road and rail network thereby paralysing the flow of traffic. Submerged neighbourhoods are now a common sight in this part of the world. It is interesting to note that this rain is quite normal as the region experiences rainfall between the months of December and February every year.
Rain forecast for the region suggests that more heavy rains are expected in the upcoming week as a thick cover of cloud continues to hover above the troubled region. Although despite heavy rains and flooding in the last few days, the rain reservoir levels remain critical due to consistent surface run-off. This happens when the soil is parched or when rain arrives more quickly than soil can absorb it. Unregulated deforestation activities in the Amazon region are being held responsible for the lack of rain.
South America's largest city Sao Paulo draws most of its water from the Cantareira system which is currently left with the lowest water level on record. Cracked mud floors have already crept up in most parts of the system. Officials have warned that if the ongoing rainy season does not bring any relief, Sao Paulo may dry out by February.