Heavy rain in Brazil's southeast coastal areas has caused flooding and landslides, resulting in the deaths of at least 36 people, including a seven-year-old girl. Rescue teams are working to find victims and reconnect isolated communities in Sao Paulo state, but roads remain blocked, trapping some tourists who had travelled for Brazil's carnival celebrations.
The fatalities may increase, and several people are missing, injured, or feared dead in the rubble. The cities of Sao Sebastiao, Ubatuba, Ilhabela, and Bertioga have cancelled their Carnival festivities, as they are among the hardest hit and are now under a state of calamity. The region received more than 600 millimetres (23.6 inches) of precipitation in one day, which is one of the highest amounts ever recorded in Brazil in such a short period. The governor has requested support from the army, which has sent two airplanes and rescue teams to the region.
The Sao Paulo state government has declared a 180-day state of emergency for six cities affected by the extreme weather event. Weather forecasts indicate that heavy rains will continue in the region, challenging rescue teams and raising the prospect of more confirmed deaths.
