Landslides and flooding leave at least 19 dead in Brazil

Brazilian authorities said 19 people have been killed by landslides and flooding caused by heavy rains in the country’s most populous state, The Associated Press reported. 

Government officials said on Sunday a family of three perished when their home collapsed in the city of Embu das Artes, as four other residents were rescued by local authorities. 

Sao Paulo state Gov. João Doria said four children died in the city of Francisco Morato, adding government officials reported four others died in the city of Franco da Rocha, according to the AP. 

Doria flew by helicopter to view the damaged areas and pledged $2.8 million in financial aid to the cities affected by the flooding. 

Sao Paulo’s fire department said three civilians died after being swept away by floodwaters. Officials also noted that civilian deaths were reported in the cities of Ribeirão Preto and Jaú, the AP reported. 

Some 500,000 families were forced to leave their homes as several roads and highways were blocked during the storm, according to the Sao Paulo state government. 

Southeastern Brazil has been hit hard with heavy rains since the start of the new year. 

Sao Paulo’s government even canceled plans to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to the public due to disruptions from the rain, the AP noted.