Brazil: Disruptions due to flooding ongoing across parts of Ceara, Maranhao, Para, Pernambuco, and Piau states as of late March 22

Event

Heavy rainfall in recent days has resulted in flooding and damage across parts of Ceara, Maranhao, Para, Pernambuco, and Piau states as of late March 22. At least 33 municipalities in Maranhao State have declared a state of emergency. Around 800 families have been displaced. Officials confirmed two people died in Santa Luzia do Tide Municipality due to a landslide; authorities rescued dozens of residents by helicopter. Another person died in Arame Municipality from being electrocuted after returning home following a landslide. Another three fatalities occurred in Acailandia Municipality when floodwaters swept a car away. Dams were breached in the municipalities of Barra do Corda and Santo Antonio dos Lopes, flooding houses.

At least 24 dams in Ceara State have overflowed, flooding the areas downstream. Authorities declared a state of emergency in Altaneira, Antonina do Norte, Aratuba, Guaramiranga, Itapaje, Itapipoca, Missao Velha, and Uruburetama municipalities. Around 250 families were preemptively evacuated in Aratuba, Itapipoca, and Uruburetama cities due to the risk of flooding.

Maraba and Itupiranga municipalities in Para State declared an emergency due to rising water levels in the Tocantins and Itacaiunas rivers. More than 400 households in Maraba Municipality are displaced. Authorities in Piau State have warned of the risk of the Marataoan River overflooding. Parts of the municipality of Barras are flooded. Homes were flooded and several families evacuated in the municipalities of Caruaru and Santa Cruz do Capibaribe in Pernambuco State.

The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) has issued orange (the middle level on a three-tier scale) heavy rainfall warnings for most of the affected area; 3-6 cm (1.2-2.4 inches) of rain per hour or 5-10 cm (2-4 inches) of rain per day is forecast. Further downpours are likely during the remainder of the monsoon season through April 2023. Additional rainfall will likely lead to further rise in river levels and could trigger flooding in areas where the ground is 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