Torrential rains kill dozens in Brazil

At least 36 people were killed and hundreds of others were dislodged after heavy rains caused flooding and landslides in coastal areas of Brazil’s southeast.

According to a statement from Sao Paulo state authorities on Sunday, rescue workers continue to look for victims, reconnect isolated communities and clear roads, some of which remain blocked, trapping an undetermined number of tourists who travelled for Brazil’s Carnival celebrations.

The statement said that Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas would meet federal officials on Monday as they coordinate the response to the tragedy.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who was spending carnival in Bahia state in Brazil’s northeast, is set to visit the main affected areas on Monday, his office said.

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Weather forecasts show heavy rains will continue in Sao Paulo’s coastal area, challenging civil defence and fire department rescue teams and raising the prospect of a higher death toll.

The federal government determined the mobilization of several ministries to assist victims, restore infrastructure and start reconstruction work. Sao Paulo state declared a 180-day state of calamity for six cities after what experts described as an unprecedented, extreme weather event.

According to a local news outlet, operations at the port of Santos, Latin America’s largest, were interrupted amid wind gusts exceeding 55 kpm (34 mph) and waves over one meter high on Saturday.

Zainab Sa’id