The intense rains and relentless flooding currently affecting São Paulo have resulted in the state registering its 18th death related to these weather events since the onset of summer. According to the state’s Civil Defense, the most recent victim, identified as a 50-year-old driver, succumbed after being trapped inside his vehicle amid rising waters on Rua Prece, located in Vila Prudente, within the capital.
On the night of February 1, 2025, emergency responders were called to rescue the man, but he was pronounced dead at the Hospital Estadual Vila Alpina after suffering from cardiac arrest. His passenger was able to escape through the back door just before the vehicle was submerged. That same night, the city received significant rainfall, accumulating 48.9 millimeters—a staggering 22.5% of February’s historical average of 217.8 millimeters as noted by the Centro de Gerenciamento de Emergências Climáticas (CGE).
Several suburbs, particularly those on the eastern side of the city such as Jardim Pantanal and São Miguel Paulista, faced severe flooding. Temporary shelters have been set up for those who found their homes inundated. While the exact number of displaced families remains unclear, city authorities are working tirelessly to provide assistance. Mayor Ricardo Nunes visited Jardim Pantanal, noting its complexity due to its location below the river Tietê’s level, which historically makes it vulnerable to such conditions.
Beyond the fatalities, the floods have led to widespread disruption. The CGE placed the entire city on alert for potential flooding due to the high volume of rain projected to continue throughout the coming days, with forecasts predicting additional heavy rainfall. Authorities, including those from the Defesa Civil, have urged residents to avoid traversing flooded paths and warned of possible landslides, especially for communities living near unstable areas.
Across the broader metropolitan area, emergency services rescued stranded residents from flooded neighborhoods like Franco da Rocha, where approximately 2,000 individuals were impacted. Cajamar saw around 100 homes inundated, and the municipal authorities reported evacuation efforts are underway. Fortunately, major casualties were avoided elsewhere as state officials reported no severe incidents following the storms.
This pattern of weather can be traced back to the Zona de Convergência do Atlântico Sul, which has influenced rainy conditions from southern Brazil up to the Atlantic coast. Heavy rains moving through the region should persist due to these established weather systems, maintaining the high risk of additional flooding or landslides especially across the eastern sectors of São Paulo.
Emergency recommendations have been reiterated by the Defesa Civil, emphasizing safety measures amid current conditions where residents are advised to avoid walking through flooded areas, remain vigilant of soil movements, and seek refuge at safer accommodations if they suspect landslide risks close by. The public has been directed to stay informed via official updates on rainfall patterns and emergency notifications.
Looking forward, predictions suggest fluctuated temperatures between 20°C and 27°C (68°F and 80°F) with intermittent sunshine appearing momentarily between ensuing storms. The CGE has forecast more localized downpours concentrated primarily during the early evening hours, particularly through February 3 and 4, leading to additional concerns about the waterlogged grounds and the pressure on infrastructure still trying to recover from prior damages.
Beyond infrastructure remediation, community involvement is pivotal as leaders urge locals to be proactive—preparing emergency kits with essentials and staying alert for hazards. The repercussions of the flooding extend deep within the city and surrounding regions, with thousands affected already facing the ramifications of nature's unpredictability. "A água já estava baixando e as famílias retornando para o processo de limpeza," said Adamo Bazani, drawing attention to the resilience demonstrated as neighborhoods start the arduous task of clean-up and recovery.
With urgent advisories remaining site-to-site for São Paulo, the collective response will be key to ensuring safety and solidarity within the community until stability returns.