Torrential Rain Turns Streets Into Rivers in Greater São Paulo and Inland

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The rain that left the city of São Paulo in a state of alert for flooding on Thursday afternoon, November 26th, turned streets into rivers in cities of Greater São Paulo and inland.

According to the Fire Department, there were 55 calls for fallen trees in the metropolitan region, with records in Santo André, São Bernardo and Guarulhos. In the capital, there were two calls for landslides and two for flooding cases by 6:07 PM.

In São Carlos, with about 225,000 inhabitants, footage recorded by residents shows a downpour taking over one of the city’s streets. “Cars were dragged by a tremendous power,” said fire brigade Captain Elias. In the state’s interior, there were two calls to the fire department for flooding and 51 for fallen trees. Of the total, according to the captain, 34 alone occurred in São Carlos.

The captain’s advice to the population is to never place themselves at risk. “If a car is dragged off, people should not venture into the waters,” recommends Elias. The water conceals traps, such as manhole covers lifted from their place. Ideally, people should always wait for the rain to clear.

In São Caetano, the São José stream overflowed and left residents isolated in stores and gas stations. In Mairiporã, also struck by heavy rain, cars were submerged in the flooding. There was a heavy hailstorm in the city.

The forecast for Friday, November 27th, is for more rainfall.