Severe floods hit Sao Paulo, Pinheiros river at highest level in 15 years, Brazil

Heavy rains affecting Sao Paulo (population 12.2 million), Brazil since Sunday, February 9, 2020, caused deadly floods and landslides across the city. The Pinheiros River also overflowed after reaching its highest level since 2005. At least two people have lost their lives, as of Tuesday, February 11.

According to the Civil Defense, at least 516 people across the state were left homeless, with the municipalities of Botucatu, Laranjal Paulista and Taboao da Serra under a state of emergency.

Also among the worst-hit regions were Vale do Ribeira, Metropolitan Region of Sao Paulo, Osasco, Baixada Santista and Alto Tiete.

According to Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), Barueri recorded 145.8 mm (5.7 inches) of rain in a 24-hour period to February 10, while Mirante de Santana recorded 121.8 mm (4.8 inches).

"Since 03:00 LT (06:00 UTC), in some areas, it rained half of what was expected for the month of February," said Sao Paulo Mayor Bruno Covas.

Torrential rains have also caused the rivers Tiete and Pinheiros to burst, with the latter reaching its highest level in 15 years, according to the country's Metropolitan Water and Energy Company.

Furthermore, the State Secretariat for Infrastructure and Environment attested that the last time the river overflowed was in 2005.

The rivers sent floodwaters across nearby highways, trapping drivers and passengers for several hours.

Image credit: Paulo Pinto/Fotos Publicas

Image credit: Civil Defense

Image credit: Civil Defense

Several schools had to suspend classes due to severe flooding, while public transport also faced disruptions. According to the Sao Paulo Fire Department, more than 4 000 calls were attended by crews from late February 9.

Seven landslides and 132 flood points were reported as well in the Greater Sao Paulo area overnight. By early February 10, the numbers rose to 88 landslides and 546 flood points.

Rescue operations, including some by helicopter, were carried out in Marginal Tiete, Barueri, and Carapicuiba.

As of February 11, reports confirmed that the severe weather has claimed two lives– a man who went missing on Sunday was found dead by the police, while another body was retrieved in a stream in the Botucatu region.

On the other hand, the water levels have begun to subside in the early hours of Tuesday.

Featured image credit: Paulo Pinto/Fotos Publicas