Santa Catarina floods and landslides leave 4 dead, 1 missing, Brazil

Heavy rains affecting the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil over the past few days caused floods and landslides in which at least 4 people were killed and one went missing. The state government said 26 municipalities have reported losses due to the storms of recent days and the cities of Rio Negrinho and Ascurra have declared a state of emergency.

Two people died and one is missing after a landslide event occurred in Indaial Municipality. The landslides also damaged several highways.

Two others were killed in a flood-related accident that occurred in Rodeo Municipality, where as much as 173.1 mm (6.81 inches) of rain fell in just 12 hours to early January 18. National authorities performed several rescue operations in the municipality.

Extensive flooding affected Rio Negrinho Municipality, displacing 80 people, while several people were also displaced by flooding in Bom Jesus. A further 21 people were displaced in the city of Ituporanga.

Flooding was also reported in Benedito Novo, Canoinhas, Concórdia, Major Vieira, Três Barras, Lauro Muller, Siderópolis and Pomerode among others.

Light to moderate rainfall is expected across Santa Caterina today, while drier weather conditions are forecast on January 24.

On January 14, a tornado was reported in the city of Sangão, Santa Catarina. The structure of the tornado was described as a classic rope-like shape. Early reports indicate that it had wind speeds ranging from F0 to F1 on the Fujita scale.

Featured image credit: Government of Santa Catarina