PARIQUERA-AÇU, SÃO PAULO — A devastating storm hit the city of Pariquera-Açu early on Saturday morning, February 8, causing massive flooding and significant property damage. According to the Brazilian National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters (Cemaden), the area experienced 99.7 mm of rain between 7 AM and 8 AM, contributing to widespread havoc across the Vale do Ribeira region.
Reports indicate total rainfall reached 174 mm since Friday morning, which is 63% of the average precipitation expected for February. Streets turned to rivers, and numerous homes and vehicles were submerged under the unrelenting downpour. Images circulated on social media captured scenes of cars washed away by the water and residents struggling to evacuate.
The severity of the flooding prompted local authorities to issue alerts and coordinate emergency responses. The São Paulo Civil Defense was actively involved on the ground, assessing damages and managing the worst-hit areas. Their focus included assisting residents trapped by the floods and evaluating conditions with the hope of returning to normalcy as soon as possible.
Neoenergia Elektro also reported disruptions to power supply due to the storm, with teams dispatched to restore service to affected neighborhoods, particularly those housing hospitals and emergency care facilities, risking lives if outages persist. They stated, "Our teams are prioritizing restoration efforts, but floods have made access to several areas extremely challenging.”
Currently, the Ivo Zanella Highway (SP-222), which connects to Pariquera-Açu, is completely closed due to mudslides and flooding, leading to the Transportation Authority urging commuters to avoid travel to the area. Motorists are advised to seek alternative routes as weather conditions remain dire.
The Civil Defense issued warnings about potential continued rainfall throughout the day, indicating possible cumulative totals ranging from 30 to 60 mm/h. Residents were advised to stay vigilant and prepared for more rain and potential emergency conditions. An orange alert remains active, indicating significant risk for additional rainfall, landslides, and flash flooding.
Local governmental agencies are closely monitoring the storm's impact, and emergency services remain on standby. The focus is on ensuring public safety alongside efforts to mitigate the storm’s impact. The regional emergency management office has stated, "We are on high alert and will act swiftly to support our community through this crisis.”
Despite the dire circumstances, community solidarity has emerged as residents began organizing relief efforts for those affected. A donation campaign has already been launched, seeking clothing, blankets, food, and personal hygiene supplies. There are collection points set up across town to assist those who lost their belongings and are currently displaced due to the flooding.
Officials anticipate more rain threats throughout the weekend as meteorological predictions indicate unstable weather patterns over the region. Therefore, the government urges all residents to heed their guidance and avoid unnecessary travel to maintain safety.
While authorities have yet to declare a formal state of emergency, the gravity of the situation is being continuously assessed. The evaluation of damage to infrastructure, homes, and public services is underway, with reports of property damage being gathered to inform future disaster responses.
The community is left reeling from the sudden disaster but is hopeful as assistance from the government and regional support networks continues. The attention remains on recovery and ensuring public safety as rain persists.