Widespread, damaging floods hit Sao Paulo after a month’s worth of rain in one hour, Brazil

Extensive flooding submerged the city of Sao Carlos in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on Thursday, November 26, 2020, resulting in damage to properties and hundreds of rescues that prompted authorities to declare a state of emergency. Up to 138 mm (5.4 inches) of rain fell in less than an hour, which is nearly equivalent to the average November rainfall of 146 mm (5.7 inches).

Intense rainfall triggered widespread floods in Sao Carlos, turning streets into rivers. Raging floodwaters dragged away vehicles and caused damage to properties. Initial surveys reported that at least 100 businesses were flooded and suffered damages and 26 vehicles were swept away by the current.

At least 150 people had to be rescued by the Fire Department. Two boats and five emergency vehicles were deployed, as well as 15 personnel in affected areas, mainly in commercial establishments and vehicles trapped in flooded streets.

A task force was deployed to address the aftermath of the storm, according to the director of civil defense of the state, Col. Rodrigo Quintino, who said the losses were very large.

He also noted that up to 138 mm (5.4 inches) of rain fell in about 50 minutes– a volume that's almost equivalent to the average rainfall for the month of November of 146 mm (5.6 inches).

"As determined by Governor João Doria, the State Civil Defense provided immediate support to the municipality, initially assisting the people who needed to be rescued during the flood," Quintino stated.

State technicians were ordered to support the Civil Defense in necessary assessments until normality is restored. A state of emergency has been declared for the city on Saturday, November 28. 

Featured image credit: Disaster Compilation/YouTube