Valdemário Cavalcante Santos, a retired farmer, recounts the harrowing experience of surviving a flood in Simão Dias, Brazil, which claimed the lives of his two friends last Sunday. While driving back from a trip to a local resort, the trio encountered a sudden surging flood while attempting to cross a creek that is commonly used by residents of the area. Santos described the terrifying moment, emphasizing how quickly the water swept them away.

In a poignant recounting of the event, Santos explained the instinctual actions he took to save himself; he recalled thinking he might never see his son again as he battled against the uncontrollable torrent. He managed to break a window with his feet to escape the submerged car, swim to safety, and grab onto a tree for stability. His emotional plea for help was answered by bystanders who threw him a rope, ultimately rescuing him from the precarious situation.

The incident highlights the potential dangers posed by sudden heavy rainfall in the region and serves as a grim reminder of the need for community awareness about weather warnings and flood safety. The loss of Santos' friends raises significant concerns for local residents about the safety of creek crossings and the necessity for better infrastructure to prevent such tragedies in the future.