Heavy rainfall has caused rivers to overflow and flood homes in Mongaguá, São Paulo, leading to evacuations and a state of emergency in several affected towns.
In Mongaguá, located on the coast of São Paulo, heavy rain has led to the overflow of two rivers, resulting in water inundating homes in the area. Residents of four cities in the Baixada Santista region were forced to evacuate due to the unprecedented flooding, prompting the Civil Defense to issue a red alert for the region. As of now, Peruíbe has reported 349 people displaced from their homes, along with another 100 who have been evacuated due to safety concerns.
After a brief respite from the torrential rains that have plagued the area since the weekend, the rainfall resumed on the evening of April 25 and intensified overnight into April 26. The rains have exacerbated the situation in Peruíbe, which had already suffered significant damage from previous storms that dumped 46% more rain than anticipated during the previous few days. Affected residents in Bertioga, Guarujá, Mongaguá, and Peruíbe are now facing dire circumstances as they seek shelter and assistance following this latest onslaught of rainfall.
The ongoing weather crisis highlights the vulnerability of coastal towns in São Paulo to severe weather events linked to seasonal patterns as well as broader climate change phenomena. The quick succession of heavy rains and subsequent flooding may necessitate urgent intervention from local authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents and to begin recovery efforts as soon as the weather allows. As the situation develops, continuous monitoring and response planning from the Civil Defense will be crucial for managing subsequent risks of flooding and displacement in the region.
