01 Dec 2022 | 04:58 PM UTC
Brazil: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing in southeastern regions as of Dec. 1
Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across parts of southeastern Brazil as of Dec. 1. Further adverse weather forecast.
Event
Disruptions are ongoing across parts of southeastern Brazil as of Dec. 1 after heavy rainfall in recent days triggered flooding and landslides. Authorities reported three fatalities after heavy rainfall and thunderstorms struck the Norte Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro State late Nov. 30. One person died after being struck by lightning in Carapebus and local officials have declared a state of emergency following flooding associated with the storm. Two others died and around 80 others have been displaced after a landslide occurred in Conceicao de Macabau. Several roads have been damaged by the adverse weather, including the BR-101 around Macae and Conceicao de Macabau.
Search operations are ongoing after heavy rainfall triggered a landslide on the BR-367 highway near Guaratuba in Parana State Nov. 28. As of Nov. 30, authorities have confirmed at least two fatalities associated with the landslide, with around 30 other people remaining missing. More than 4,200 people have been affected and nearly 1,300 displaced by flooding and landslides across nine municipalities of Parana.
As of Dec. 1, the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued red warnings (the highest level on a three-tier scale) for heavy rainfall across coastal areas of Santa Catarina State, as well as orange and yellow warnings across much of the rest of southeastern Brazil. Further downpours are likely during the remainder of the monsoon season through April 2023. 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 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. 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.
