The severe weather alerts issued across São Paulo and surrounding regions show no signs of abatement as the state grapples with relentless summer rains. On the night of January 29, 2025, the Civil Defense system issued extreme alerts for hard-hit areas such as Guarujá, known for torrential downpours and subsequent risks of flooding. With places like the Morro da Barreira do João facing immediate hazards, the authorities recommended residents seek refuge.
According to Lieutenant Maxwell Souza, spokesperson for the state Civil Defense, about 22 individuals took shelter at the Municipal School Sérgio Pereira overnight as part of precautionary measures during the heightened threat levels. He noted, "We issued an alert of maximum level for the municipality of Guarujá. This alert was sent to the mobile phones of every citizen in the city... also, we activated the risk sirens installed for the community. While evacuations were suggested, they were not mandatory, showing flexibility to families who felt safer staying home." Thankfully, there were no reported fatalities from this recent round of storms, but the historical impact remains grave, with 17 lives lost due to prior incidents since December.
The severe alert remains extended by the Civil Defense through the upcoming days, especially emphasizing caution for the Baixada Santista, Metropolitan Region of São Paulo, and the city itself. With forecasts predicting the capital could receive upwards of 170 mm of rain by the end of the weekend, the threat looms heavy over the metropolis.
Recent storms have prompted significant environmental changes, primarily due to moisture corridor formations associated with the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (ZCAS). This climatic phenomenon has positioned itself stationary over large parts of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais, manifesting through heavy and consistent rainfall. Meanwhile, emergency response teams remain on high alert, as accumulated rain since January has already surpassed normal averages for the month, reaching nearly 300 mm.
Accompanying the natural threat are personal tales of resilience and struggle from ordinary citizens. Luis Felipe Faustino, 45, from northern São Paulo, shared how the last round of intense rainfall devastated his home. “The water flooded the bedrooms, ruining clothes and countless books. Every time we experience heavy rain, it's as if we’re at the mercy of nature's whims. Cleaning up after such disasters is physically exhausting and emotionally taxing,” he recalled, illustrating the harsh reality faced by those living in vulnerable conditions.
On the afternoon of January 31, the situation escalated when the city's Civil Defense formally extended severe weather alerts after early signs of flooding appeared across the metropolitan area. With alerts sent out at approximately 11:15 PM, residents were advised to prepare for risky conditions due to rising waters, including around the iconic Beco do Batman, which faced similar inundation just the week before.
Details from the Center for Emergency Management indicated the earlier part of the night saw mounting levels of anxiety and preparation. By 9 PM, the entire city shifted to heightened alert, covering the West, South, Southeast, and the Marginal Pinheiros area under careful scrutiny. With ten spots reporting impassable flooding, the situation was declared normal by midnight. Efficiency from local transport authorities aided the city’s affected residents, providing additional relief.
Reflecting on the government’s response strategy, Felicio Ramuth, the acting governor, stated, "Our objective is to minimize risks and protect lives. We're prepared to act alongside municipalities should emergencies arise, ensuring no citizen feels abandoned." Ramuth’s sentiment echoed results from the meeting convened earlier to develop action plans involving representatives from 300 municipalities, all addressing the pressing needs posed by heavy rains over the next few days.
To bolster emergency communications, the new Cell Broadcast alert system was unveiled during this summit, allowing real-time dissemination of warnings to residents' mobile phones. This technology will become instrumental as it categorizes alerts as either severe or extreme, ensuring maximum visibility and engagement among the public.
The heightened vigilance was justified; meteorological predictions indicate continuing heavy rainfall across the region through February 2. The worst impacts are expected particularly around the state’s eastern areas, significantly affecting capital São Paulo, Baixada Santista, and surrounding vulnerable regions such as Vale do Ribeira and Vale do Paraíba.
Forecasters recommend the public remain aware of the conditions and adhere strictly to the guidance provided by authorities. “Given how saturated the soil is due to prior downpours, flash floods and landslides are real threats over the coming days,” reminded Colonel Henguel Pereira, head of the state Civil Defense. He advised individuals to evacuate when necessary and contact appropriate emergency services at numbers 199 for Civil Defense, 193 for the Fire Department, and 192 for the Military Police.
The severe weather alerts faced by São Paulo serve as reminders of the heavy price nature can exact, underscoring the intrinsic need for community preparedness. Indeed, as citizens across the state brace for more rain, their stories reflect resilience, alertness, and the undeterred spirit to persevere through impending storms.