At Least 40 Dead in Brazil Due to Heavy Rains; Several Missing

Over the weekend, at least 40 people have died in São Paulo state, Brazil, due to heavy rains, with an equal number reported missing, according to Globo.

Of the 40 fatalities, 39 were registered in the municipality of São Sebastião, and one in Ubatuba, where a seven-year-old girl lost her life.

Several areas in São Paulo have experienced disruptions to electricity and water supply, as well as mobile phone services. Landslides have blocked traffic on several major roads in the state.

According to Brazil's civil defense service, over a month's worth of rain fell across four municipalities in the state on Saturday and Sunday. A state of emergency has been declared in six municipalities.

The most affected area, São Sebastião, recorded a staggering 627 millimeters of rain, which is double the average for the entire month of February. According to the city’s mayor, fifty houses were destroyed there.

In Bertioga, the rainfall measured 683 millimeters in just 24 hours, marking a record in Brazil's history.