Brazilian authorities raised the death toll to 57 this Friday as floods continued to affect coastal areas last week. The surge in fatalities has been confirmed after seven more people were reported dead in the final hours, according to reports cited by Folha de S.Paulo. At least 47 victims have been identified so far: 16 men, 16 women, and 15 minors. The tally reflects a tragic toll across multiple communities and underscores the ongoing challenges faced by local families and relief teams alike.
At this moment, more than 4,000 people have been displaced from their homes, with 1,815 losing their residences entirely. Dozens remain unaccounted for as emergency crews intensify search and rescue operations. Government channels in Sao Paulo have reiterated these figures across official social media updates, highlighting the scale of disruption and the urgent need for shelter, food, and medical support for affected residents.
The governor of Sao Paulo, Tacísio de Freitas, voiced sorrow for the widespread damage caused by days of heavy rainfall that dumped more than 600 milliliters of water in a 24‑hour window. That rate of rainfall stands among the highest recorded in a single day for Brazil, raising concerns about drainage capacity, infrastructure resilience, and the vulnerability of informal settlements in flood-prone zones. Local authorities have urged residents to heed evacuation orders and to seek higher ground as weather systems continue to move through the region. This event has prompted widespread emergency planning and a coordinated response between state and federal agencies, with the aim of protecting lives while minimizing further harm to homes and utilities.
In response to the disaster, the region declared a state of emergency, unlocking additional resources and support for relief efforts. The Brazilian Navy has mobilized its largest rescue vessel in the area, alongside about 1,400 soldiers and 18 aircraft deployed to assist with evacuations, reconnaissance, medical care, and logistics. Onboard medical facilities include around 200 hospital beds and an intensive care unit, all designed to alleviate pressure on hard-pressed health facilities by moving patients away from overwhelmed clinics. Rescue workers continue to work around the clock, establishing temporary shelters and coordinating with local clinics to ensure continuity of care for those with chronic conditions or immediate medical needs. The combined effort reflects a broad, multiagency response that aims to stabilize the situation while accelerating the delivery of essentials to affected communities. The scale of the operation underscores the severity of the flooding and its impact on regional infrastructure, supply chains, and daily life for residents who are returning to damaged homes or seeking safety elsewhere.