Heavy rains in São Gotardo, Brazil, led to significant damage, including the collapse of a bridge and the displacement of a family, although no injuries were reported.
On Tuesday, October 24, a severe rainstorm in São Gotardo, located in the Alto Paranaíba region of Brazil, resulted in extensive damage after about 12 hours of continuous rainfall. The total rainfall reached 150 millimeters, as confirmed by the Municipal Coordination of Protection and Civil Defense (Compdec). Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries despite the destruction caused by the flooding, which has raised concerns for the local community.
Social media images depict the powerful flow of water near the city’s bus station, highlighting the storm's impact on the area. In the rural zone, Dener Henrique de Castro, the coordinator of Civil Defense, reported that one bridge was completely destroyed while three others sustained structural damage. The collapse of the bridge over the Retiro creek has severed access to the nearby community, forcing residents to seek alternative routes for transportation and support.
In addition to the bridge collapse, the MG-235 highway, which connects São Gotardo to Matutina, experienced landslides at two locations, as well as downed trees, resulting in partial road closures. The local minor roads, which lead to communities such as Vila Funchal and dos Campos, were also impacted, further complicating access and the flow of aid and goods in the affected areas. The local government is likely to address these repairs and ensure the safety of residents as they recover from the storm.
