BRASÍLIA February 21. 2023 (Saba) - Floods and landslides in eastern Brazil caused by rains over the weekend have claimed at least 40 lives in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo, Brazilian authorities announced Monday.
While Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited the region, he said that homes should no longer be built in areas at risk of landslides and major floods.
Authorities in Sao Paulo state said that 4 more people died in addition to the 36 people counted the day before, but more casualties are still expected as dozens of people are still missing.
Lula was escorted by government ministers as he flew over the coastal town of Sao Sebastiao, where he pledged to help rebuild the city of about 91,000 by building new homes in safer locations.
He added that the government should work to restore major infrastructure facilities such as roads damaged by landslides.
The Sao Paulo floods are the latest in a series of disasters that have hit Brazil recently, as unplanned construction, often on hillsides, causes tragic consequences during Brazil's rainy season.
The flood occurred during the Carnival holiday period in Brazil, when thousands flocked to the region's beaches, likely exacerbating the human toll caused by the natural disaster.
The epicenter of the floods was the town of Sao Sebastiao, with 39 deaths reported there.
The government said more than 2,000 people had to leave their homes after more than 600 mm of rain fell on the coast of Brazil's richest state.
E.M
resource : Saba