30 May 2022 | 06:16 AM UTC
Brazil: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across northeastern Brazil as of early May 30 /update 1
Flooding and evacuations ongoing across northeastern Brazil as of early May 30. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Heavy rainfall has resulted in flooding and damage across Alagoas, Paraiba, and Pernambuco states as of early May 30. According to civil defense authorities, flooding and a series of related landslides from May 27 have resulted in at least 79 fatalities in Pernambuco State. At least 56 people are still missing and almost 4,000 people across the state have been evacuated. Officials in 14 cities have declared states of emergency.
Authorities in Penedo Municipality, Alagoas State, have declared a state of emergency as more than 10,000 people across the state are displaced. Officials have confirmed at least one death. Reports indicate that several houses suffered damages due to flash flooding and landslides. A dam broke in Pocinhos Municipality, Paraiba State, on May 25, resulting in six severely damaged or destroyed houses and four people injured.
The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued orange (middle level on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall warnings across parts of eastern Alagoas, far eastern Paraiba, and far eastern Pernambuco states; rainfall of 3-6 cm (1-2 inches) per hour is forecast. Yellow heavy rain warnings are in place across the rest of Alagoas, eastern Paraiba, and eastern Pernambuco states. Additional rainfall will likely lead to further rises in river levels and could trigger flooding in areas where the ground is already saturated.
Hazardous Conditions
Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying and riverine areas.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers.
Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelters if evacuation orders are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
