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Local News
30 December 2024

Supermarket Roof Collapses During Hailstorm In Barueri

Severe weather injures four as storm wreaks havoc on local infrastructure and emergency services respond swiftly.

On the afternoon of December 30, 2023, the residents of Barueri, located in the Greater São Paulo area, were hit by a fierce storm characterized by strong winds and severe hail, causing substantial damage across the city. Among the most alarming incidents was the roof collapse of the Supermercado Barbosa on Rua Campos Sales, which injured four people.

The storm, which featured wind gusts reaching up to 60 km/h and heavy hail, transformed streets across Barueri, leaving them covered with ice and wreaking havoc on local infrastructure. The supermarket had been crowded with shoppers preparing for New Year's celebrations when the roof gave way, catching many by surprise. According to the Corpo de Bombeiros, emergency services responded quickly after being alerted at approximately 2:30 PM.

Witnesses reported chaos as the roof collapsed, with many screaming and rushing for safety. Videos captured by bystanders show the moment of the collapse, illustrating the sheer force of the storm. Thankfully, the injuries sustained were described as mild, with reports indicating one individual suffered leg contusions and another had back injuries.

Upon their arrival, the emergency responders found some areas of the ceiling had fallen, but, remarkably, no one was severely injured by falling debris. The assessment noted, "None of the victims was struck by rubble," according to the press release from local authorities.

The city's Defense Civil personnel, along with the director-general at the scene, coordinated with the Corpo de Bombeiros to assess the damage and provide aid to the affected individuals. The heavy accumulation of ice from the hailstorm likely obstructed drainage systems, adding significant weight to the supermarket's structure. This accumulation may have contributed to the building's sudden failure, according to statements from civil defense representatives.

Officials from the Barueri city government arrived on-site, accompanying the emergency responders. They confirmed the swift mobilization of relief efforts and reiterated the importance of public safety during such extreme weather events. The government previously issued weather alerts advising residents to take precautions during the storm, which certainly helped mitigate the number of potential injuries.

Alberto Silva, the head of Barueri's urban planning department, remarked, "We are assessing the situation carefully to understand the structural integrity of the supermarkets and other facilities affected by these storms. Public safety is our top priority." His team will conduct comprehensive checks on buildings across the area to prevent similar incidents.

This was not the only incident connected to the severe weather. Just the day before, a similar hailstorm hit nearby Cajamar, resulting in damage to vehicles and infrastructure there as well. Authorities reported extensive damage across various neighborhoods, including impacted roofs and toppled trees.

The municipal government has initiated recovery plans aimed at assisting residents whose homes and properties suffered damage during the storms. Through the SOS Chuvas program, social services are deploying help to vulnerable families, distributing materials such as protective tarps and conducting clean-up operations.

The storms have raised questions about urban infrastructure and climate resilience, prompting discussions among officials about the need for improvements to minimize the effects of extreme weather and protect residents from potential hazards. Local authorities are considering long-term strategies to upgrade drainage systems and fortify existing structures against powerful storms.

Residents expressed concern about future storms and their potential impact on communities. Community leaders pointed out the need for enhanced communication from local officials about weather preparedness and responsive action plans. Many are calling for greater public education on the steps to take during such emergencies.

While the immediate damage from the storm is still being evaluated, the community's spirit remains strong as residents band together to support one another during recovery efforts. The local government has encouraged anyone affected by the hailstorm or subsequent incidents to reach out for aid and resources.

Going forward, Barueri's residents will certainly be keeping watch on the weather forecasts as they prepare for future storms, emphasizing the need for resilience and readiness for the unforeseen challenges presented by severe weather. The hope is to not only recover from this incident but to emerge stronger and more prepared for similar events.