(Sao Paulo) The floods and landslides that affected southeastern Brazil a week ago killed 65 people, according to the latest report released Sunday evening by the authorities.
“So far, 65 dead have been confirmed,” among which “21 men, 17 women and 19 children have been identified,” Sao Paulo state authorities said.
Sao Sebastiao, a seaside resort located 200 km from Sao Paulo, received nearly 680 mm of rain in 24 hours, more than double the average monthly rainfall, and the highest cumulative volume in one day ever recorded in the country. Brazil, according to the authorities.
After the discovery on Sunday afternoon of the body of the 65e victim, rescuers ended the search in the Vila do Sahy neighborhood in Sao Sebastiao, the most affected area, according to the GloboNews news channel citing Civil Defense sources.
The Sao Paulo government did not respond to requests from AFP to find out if the search was continuing in other places.
More than 2,400 people have been displaced, according to an official report.
The governor of Sao Paulo, Tarcisio de Freitas, admitted on Thursday that the population alert system by text messages was not sufficient, and announced the installation of sirens in risk areas and the construction of housing for homeless.
Experts blame, in addition to the effects of climate change, uncontrolled urbanization.
In Brazil, 9.5 million people live in areas exposed to the risk of flooding and landslides.