On Monday, March 31, 2025, a powerful storm swept through the ABC region of Greater São Paulo, causing significant flooding and disruption. The Grand Plaza shopping mall in Santo André found itself at the center of the chaos, with water inundating its entrance and retail spaces. This incident prompted swift action from mall management to ensure the safety of customers and employees.
The Grand Plaza, located adjacent to the Santo André station of the Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM), faced a deluge that led to the closure of the train station due to flooding. Eyewitnesses captured videos showing employees frantically using squeegees to clear water from the stores. In a statement, the mall's administration confirmed that "the large volume of water invaded the entrance of the Grand Plaza, and measures were quickly taken to ensure everyone’s safety." They added that the area was isolated, and customers and shopkeepers were directed to other circulation areas as the space was being drained.
Meanwhile, the storm wreaked havoc beyond the shopping mall. The Hospital e Maternidade Brasil, also in Santo André, reported that heavy rain affected part of the ceiling on its fifth floor. Fortunately, no patients were harmed, as staff promptly relocated them to other areas within the hospital. "The situation was quickly controlled without injuries or compromise to the overall operation of the institution," hospital officials stated.
In less than half an hour, the storm triggered multiple incidents across the Grande ABC region. Train services on CPTM Line 10-Turquesa were partially suspended between São Caetano and Rio Grande da Serra stations due to the severe weather conditions. This interruption added to the growing list of issues faced by commuters and residents alike.
As the rain continued to pour, over 88,176 customers in Greater São Paulo experienced power outages, according to the latest updates from Enel. Specifically, 47,991 residences were left without electricity, making Santo André the second-most affected municipality in the region. With approximately 6.3% of its power network down, about 23,319 residents found themselves in the dark.
The city of Santo André witnessed several locations overwhelmed by water, leading to submerged vehicles and stranded individuals. Traffic disruptions were reported throughout the area, compounding the challenges for residents trying to navigate the storm's aftermath. The local government has yet to confirm any casualties or reports of fallen trees as a result of the storm.
In light of the ongoing weather conditions, the municipal Civil Defense agency issued warnings to residents. They advised, "If you are in a safe location, avoid traveling. Stay away from flooded areas." The agency also noted that further rainfall was expected in the coming hours, raising concerns about additional flooding and complications.
Social media users have pointed out that the Grand Plaza shopping mall has a history of flooding, recalling similar incidents in January 2023 when heavy rains also caused significant water accumulation in the area. This recurring issue has raised questions about the infrastructure and flood management strategies in place to protect both businesses and residents from such severe weather events.
As the storm subsided, the focus shifted to recovery efforts and assessing the damage caused by the heavy rains. Local authorities are expected to conduct evaluations to determine the extent of the flooding and its impact on public services and infrastructure.
The Grand Plaza shopping mall remains closed as management continues to monitor the situation and ensure that the premises are safe for reopening. The mall’s administration has expressed commitment to providing a reliable environment for customers and staff, stating, "The shopping mall is monitoring the situation and offering a safe space for everyone to wait for the best moment to return home."
Overall, the storm on March 31, 2025, serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. As communities in the ABC region work to recover, the focus will likely be on improving infrastructure resilience to better withstand future storms.
