21 Dec 2022 | 09:43 AM UTC
Brazil: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Santa Catarina State as of Dec. 21
Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Santa Catarina State, Brazil, as of Dec. 21. Evacuations and road closures ongoing.
Event
Heavy rainfall in recent days has resulted in flooding and damage across parts of Santa Catarina State as of Dec. 21. Authorities have reported two fatalities after a landslide triggered by the heavy rainfall buried a house in Jardim Alianca in Camboriu Municipality Dec. 20. Around 190 people have been displaced by flooding across the state, of which 90 are being housed in emergency shelters. The worst affected municipalities include Camboriu, Ilhota, Itapema, Jaragua do Sul, Penha, and Porto Belo. Local states of emergency have been declared in Camboriu and Penha. Several roads have been made impassable by floodwaters and landslides, including sections of the BR-101, BR-280, SC-401, and SC-405 highways. Civil defense officials have stated that the severe weather conditions have hampered damage assessments and the number of people displaced is expected to rise once the full extent of the flooding is ascertained. Parts of the state are still recovering from flooding which occurred late-November-early December and affected more than 16,000 people across the state, more than 1,000 of whom were displaced.
The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has forecast further showers and isolated thunderstorms Dec. 21 before conditions generally improve from Dec. 22. 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
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional 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.
