Southeastern Brazil in mourning. Landslides killed 48 people, according to a new report on Wednesday, on the fourth day of research, a figure still provisional since several dozen people are still missing. “We will continue the search. We are trying to identify areas where there are missing people,” Sao Paulo state governor Tarcisio de Freitas said.
More than 680 millimeters of rain fell in 24 hours in Sao Sebastiao, a seaside resort about 200 km from Sao Paulo, more than double the monthly rainfall. A national record, according to the government of the State of Sao Paulo.
2,500 people evacuated from their homes
Using bulldozers, chainsaws and shovels, searches continue tirelessly on the hillsides of the Vila Sahy district, the hardest hit by the torrent of mud and tree trunks which washed away houses on its passage.
Around 2,500 people were evacuated from their homes due to threats of further landslides. Some families living in at-risk areas were reluctant to leave for fear of looting, but the government promised them increased security. Authorities on Wednesday urged tourists to leave the beach area to take advantage of a day of mild weather.
Further rainfall is expected throughout the week in the region, although less intense, between 20 and 50 mm per day, according to the National Meteorological Institute.