Heavy rains hit Santa Catarina, affecting more than 40 000 people, Brazil

At least 3 people have died and more than 44 000 were affected after recent heavy rains caused severe floods in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil.

Parts of the state saw more than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain in 3 days to May 5, with São Martinho recording 375.4 mm (14.7 inches) and Anitápolis 338 mm (13.3 inches) during the same period, according to data provided by the state’s Civil Defence.

The resulting floods have so far affected more than 44 000 people and claimed the lives of at least three people, 2 in the municipality of São Joaquim and 1 in the municipality of Urubici.

Serviço Geológico do Brasil said rivers are flowing above the danger mark in several locations in the state, including the Canoas at Vila Canoas and Uruguay at Itapiranga.

On May 4, the Civil Defence of Santa Catarina closed the gates of the dam in Ituporanga to preserve the safety of the region’s residents

A state of emergency was declared in several municipalities, including Tubarão, Orleans, Forquilhinhas, Urubici, Maracajá, Araranguá, São Joaquim, Lages, Laurentino, Anitápolis and Taió.

So far, 119 municipalities across the state have reported incidents like flooding and landslides.

One of the worst affected municipalities is Tubarão.

References:

Bulletins issued by the Civil Defence / Government of Santa Catarina from May 2 to 5, 2022

Featured image credit: Government of Santa Catarina