Heavy Rain in Sao Paulo: Civil Defense Renews Alert as Death Toll Rises to Five

Sao Paulo’s State Civil Defense renewed, on Monday (21), its alert for heavy rain between September 21 and 23. Instability is expected to intensify starting Tuesday, with rainfall totals of up to 90 millimeters in some regions — and the death toll from the rains that have hit the state since the beginning of the month has now reached five, including one victim in Sao Bernardo do Campo, in the Greater ABC region.

Five deaths since the start of the month

On Sunday (20), the body of a man who had been missing since September 12 was found after flooding in Jandira, in Greater Sao Paulo. With this confirmation, the total number of rain-related deaths in the state since the start of the month rose to five:

• Jandira: 2 deaths (September 13 and 20)
• Itaquaquecetuba: 1 death (September 13)
• Sao Bernardo do Campo: 1 death (September 14)
• Embu-Guacu: 1 death (September 17)

Forecast for the coming days

According to Civil Defense, starting Tuesday (22) the instability is expected to gain strength and reach, with heavier and more widespread rain on Tuesday and Wednesday, accompanied by lightning, strong wind gusts and the possibility of isolated hail. In the Santos coastal area, the North Coast, the capital and the metropolitan region — which includes Greater ABC — expected totals range between 70 and 90 millimeters.

Temperatures in the state capital are also expected to drop sharply: from a high of 29°C (84°F) on Monday to just 15°C (59°F) on Wednesday, according to Meteoblue.

Civil Defense guidance

• Follow official alerts and Civil Defense updates;
• Avoid risk areas, such as hillsides and riverbanks;
• Never cross flooded streets or bridges, on foot or by vehicle;
• Seek safe shelter during storms, away from trees and power poles;
• In an emergency, call 199 (Civil Defense) or 193 (Fire Department).