On the morning of Friday, March 6, Guaratinguetá, a city in São Paulo, experienced heavy rains that led to severe flooding across various neighborhoods. The state’s Civil Defense reported that the city recorded the highest rainfall in the state during the night of March 5 and into the early hours of the 6th, accumulating around 150 millimeters, which is nearly equivalent to the historical average expected for the whole month of March. This deluge has resulted in substantial disruptions for the residents, including the suspension of classes in the municipal school system.

The flooding was exacerbated by the overflow of the Piagui River, particularly affecting the Pilões neighborhood, where homes were inundated, and ten residents had to be evacuated. These individuals were taken to a temporary shelter established at the municipal school André Freire. The situation prompted the local government to activate an emergency committee to monitor the ongoing conditions and streamline coordination among various municipal departments to respond effectively.

Images released by the municipality showcase the extent of the flooding, highlighting submerged streets and the resilience of local community members as they navigate the challenging conditions. The local administration emphasizes the need for vigilance and preparedness in face of such extreme weather patterns, which have become increasingly relevant with the changes in climate conditions observed over recent years.