Brazil: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Sao Paulo State as of Feb. 19

Event

Heavy rainfall in recent days has resulted in flooding and damage across parts of Sao Paulo State as of Feb. 19. Authorities in the state have declared a state of public calamity for Bertioga, Caraguatatuba, Ilhabela, Sao Sebastiao, and Ubatuba, with Bertioga and Sao Sebastiao the worst affected. Reports indicate at least 36 fatalities as of late Feb. 19, including one in Ubatuba and 35 in Sao Sebastiao. In Sao Sebastiao, at least 50 homes have collapsed; an estimated 566 individuals are displaced, with 338 evacuated by authorities and 228 people left homeless. Evacuation numbers will likely rise in the coming hours as rescue operations continue.

Due to landslides and surface flooding, multiple roadways were partially closed, including the Rio-Santos (BR-101), Mogi-Bertioga (SP-098), and Tamoios (SP-099) highways. Officials reopened portions of the highways late Feb. 19, but some stretches remain closed. Authorities are advising travelers to refrain from traveling to coastal areas.

Reports indicate water supply interruptions after heavy rainfall clogged water treatment stations with debris. In Sao Sebastiao and Caraguatatuba, some residents lost access to the water supply. Utility providers are working to restore supply to parts of the impacted area.

The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued red (the highest level on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall warnings for the far southeastern parts of the state; more than 6 cm (2.5 inches) of rain per hour or 10 cm (4 inches) of rain per day is forecast. Orange warnings for heavy rainfall are in effect for northern and eastern parts of the state; between 3-6 cm (1-2 inches) of rain per hour or 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of rain per day and winds of 60-100 kph (37-62 mph) are forecast in the orange warning areas. Yellow warnings for heavy rainfall are in place across the rest of the affected area. 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. Power outages and damage to infrastructure are likely.

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 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.

Resources

National Institute of Meteorology