Deadly flooding and landslides hit Santa Catarina after half a month’s worth of rain falls in 6 hours, Brazil

Flooding and landslides killed at least two people in Santa Catarina, Brazil, after 104 mm (4 inches) of rain fell in a six-hour period on Sunday, January 25, 2021. This is equivalent to half a month's worth of January rain.

Heavy rainfall has been lashing Florianopolis in Santa Catarina since January 21. More downpours hit the state in the following days, with almost 40 mm (1.6 inches) in a 1-hour period on Sunday.

According to the Civil Defense, 86 mm (3.4 inches) of rain fell in a 3-hour period while up to 104 mm (4 inches) of rain fell in just six hours– this was equivalent to more than half the average rainfall for the state for the month of January, which is 195 mm (7.6 inches).

Floodwaters and landslide debris blocked roads, as well as other parts of the city. The fire service evacuated 70 people in the Lagoa da Conceicao neighborhood after embankments of a sewage treatment pond collapsed, resulting in at least 35 homes damaged. 

Two people died after flooding caused a wall to collapse in the region of Saco Grande. The victims were identified as mother and daughter.

Over the past few days, the Civil Defense has reported rain-related incidents in 31 municipalities of Santa Catarina. More than 2 000 people have been affected by flooding in Guabiruba, Itajai Valley, where around 240 houses were damaged and 30 people were evacuated.

Julie Celestial

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