Man dies dragged by flood during storm in Sorocaba
A man died after being swept away by floodwaters during a heavy storm in Sorocaba, Brazil, on Saturday.
On Saturday afternoon, a severe storm hit Sorocaba, São Paulo, resulting in intense flooding and dangerously high rainfall. The storm brought nearly 73 millimeters of rain within an hour, as reported by the National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters (Cemaden). Tragically, a man was swept away by the floodwaters in the Jardim Guadalupe neighborhood, leading to a search operation by local firefighters after reports of his disappearance.
The body of the victim was discovered shortly after the incident in the flooded area of the Mineirão neighborhood. Authorities, including the Civil Defense, emphasized that flash floods can develop rapidly during such storms, posing significant dangers to individuals who attempt to cross inundated streets. As a precautionary measure, the Civil Defense advised residents to avoid flood-prone areas and stay updated on official weather warnings.
The storm also caused widespread inundation across various locations in Sorocaba, including structural damage like the collapse of a wall at a local school in Jardim Nova Esperança. The community is urged to remain vigilant in light of severe weather patterns and potential flooding events moving forward, as the risks associated with heavy rainfall continue to be a concern for public safety in the region.