URGENT UPDATE: São Paulo Hit by Severe Storm, Fatalities Rise to 19
A devastating storm swept through São Paulo on the night of Tuesday, February 18, resulting in the 19th death linked to the recent heavy rains in the state. This increase in fatalities coincides with the ongoing Summer Operation by the state’s Civil Defense, which began in December.
The latest victim, a woman in her 40s, tragically drowned inside her Kwid vehicle on Edgar Facó Avenue, which was severely inundated due to the overflow of Ribeirão Verde. Emergency services reported that her rescue was carried out by a civilian firefighter who discovered her in cardiac arrest and initiated lifesaving measures. However, upon the arrival of additional emergency personnel, medical staff confirmed her deceased status.
This incident marks the tenth death due to flooding, with the total breakdown indicating seven fatalities from landslides and two from windstorms.
The previous fatality was recorded on February 1, when a 50-year-old rideshare driver became trapped in his vehicle during flooding on Rua da Prece in Vila Prudente, located in the eastern zone. Despite immediate response by emergency services and transport to Vila Alpina Hospital, the driver did not survive.
Fatalities Due to Rain-Related Incidents in São Paulo Since December 1, 2024:
– Ibitinga (December 4, 2024) – 2 victims: Swept away by floodwaters on Carolina Gereto Dal’acqua Avenue.
– São Paulo (December 5, 2024) – 1 victim: A man was carried away in a stream on Beira Rio, later recovered.
– São Paulo (December 21, 2024) – 1 victim: A woman was swept away by floods on Rua Adelina Linhares; she was later declared dead.
– Nova Odessa (December 21, 2024) – 1 victim: A motorcyclist was swept into a stream on Avenida Ampélio Gazzetta.
– Várzea Paulista (December 21, 2024) – 3 victims: A landslide in João Aprillanti resulted in the deaths of a mother and her two children.
– Várzea Paulista (December 22, 2024) – 1 victim: Another landslide caused a fatality in João Aprillanti area.
– Fartura (December 23, 2024) – 2 victims: A boating accident resulted in one confirmed death.
– Taubaté (December 27, 2024) – 3 victims: A landslide covered a residence leading to fatalities.
– São Paulo (January 24, 2025) – 1 victim: An elderly man was found deceased after being swept away on Rua Belmiro Braga.
– Guarulhos (January 25, 2025) – 1 victim: A motorcyclist was discovered dead after falling into a stream.
– Itapecerica da Serra (January 26, 2025) – 1 victim: A child was swept away while playing in stormwater drains.
– São Paulo (February 1, 2025) – 1 victim: A rideshare driver died after being trapped in his car during flooding.
TOTAL COUNT: 19 VICTIMS – Flooding (10), Landslides (7), Windstorms (2)
