A tragic landslide struck Taubaté, São Paulo, on the evening of September 27, 2023, claiming the lives of three people after heavy rain set the stage for the disaster. Around 5:30 PM, the collapse buried four adults and left two children unharmed but undoubtedly traumatized.
The deceased have been identified as Carla Sirio Leite, 38, Giovane Hideo Gabriel Matsuda, 34, and their friend Maurício Tavares, 41. All were inside the house on the Barreiro neighborhood’s Travessa da Liberdade when the landslide occurred. The couple was reported to have two children, one biological and another from Carla’s previous relationship.
Gustavo Santos Scacabarozzi, 49, was the only survivor. He was found partially buried, alert and responsive, and was quickly transported to the Regional Hospital of Taubaté, where he was treated for a fractured leg. Fortunately, he was discharged early the next day, with no life-threatening injuries.
The rescue operation unfolded rapidly, involving approximately 50 personnel from various emergency services, including the local Fire Department, Military Police, and the Civil Defense. Volunteers from the community also provided invaluable assistance, using shovels and buckets to help clear debris and search for survivors. Their combined efforts were focused on the site for over seven hours, with the first survivor brought out just after 8:40 PM.
Details of the operation reveal its intensity. Rescuers worked against the clock, mobilizing nine firefighting vehicles, five police cars, two emergency medical units, and even heavy machinery such as excavators to remove the heavy earth covering the victims.
Initial estimates suggested four individuals had been caught up in the slide, but as rescuers navigated the rubble, the sad reality set in: three people had perished. By 11:30 PM, two bodies were recovered—a man and a woman. The final body, identified as Maurício, was located around 12:57 AM.
This catastrophe was precipitated by unrelenting rains, with the Taubaté region witnessing 64 mm of rainfall within just 12 hours prior to the disaster. Local authorities indicated the area was affected by the South Atlantic Convergence Zone, which has been contributing to the heavy downpours across the state of São Paulo.
The conditions were primed for such tragedy, as saturated ground turned prone to landslides. Eyewitness accounts and existing weather data corroborated the hazardous situation leading up to the collapse.
Local reports suggest possible construction activities above the submerged residence might have exacerbated the situation. Neighbors raised concerns about recent irregular works being conducted by the owner of the property perched on the hillside, where dirt excavated from the site allegedly displaced onto areas near the home of the victims.
The investigation is underway to determine whether any negligence contributed to the incident and whether appropriate safety measures were taken. The Taubaté Civil Defense remains vigilant, monitoring the area to avoid future fatalities from similar incidents.
The bodies of Carla, Giovane, and Maurício have been sent to the Legal Medical Institute for examination. Community members are awaiting news about memorial services to pay respects to the victims, who were not only neighbors but friends bound by significant ties.
Local officials have confirmed the broader region around Taubaté is dealing with significant infrastructure challenges, as emergencies persist elsewhere due to sustained rains affecting nearly 19 municipalities. Many families have been displaced across the state, and the impact of climate conditions is palpable.
During this time of sorrow for Taubaté, the community strives to come together, remembering those lost and supporting one another through the recovery process. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability many face during extreme weather events, and the importance of preparedness and vigilance within urban and rural landscapes.
