Brazil: Rescue Efforts Continue as Death Toll Rises; Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva Visits Affected

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visited the affected areas of the state of Sao Paulo as rescue efforts continue, with dozens of people remaining missing.

The city of Sao Sebastiao appears to have been widely affected by the floods and landslides in Brazil. The area has been accounting for 39 out of the 40 victims reported.

A 41-year-old who survived with her husband and children noted that they heard the "terrifying noise of trees falling and glass breaking," as reported by Al Jazeera.

Vanesa Cristina Caetano said they heard water rushing down and nearly swept their house away.

Lula surveyed Sao Sebastiao in a helicopter, reviewing the damage before meeting with its local officials. Officials stated that some areas were cut off after landslides blocked the roads.

Lula tweeted that Sao Sebastiao will recover much faster if there is unity, adding to count on the federal government to deliver aid to those who are impacted.

Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva Amid Brazil's Floods

The president noted that homes should not stand in landslide and flood-prone areas. He noted that sometimes "nature takes us by surprise," adding that people also sometimes "tempt nature," ABC reported.

The Brazilian president also vowed to help rebuild the town of around 91,000 people by constructing new houses in safer places.

He also added that the government must work to restore key infrastructure facilities such as roads also hit by landslides.

Lula confirmed that the armed forces are working in joint efforts with Sao Paulo authorities to help flood victims. He also promised to restore power connections and telecommunications in the area.

The landslides have left 228 homeless, with one of the cities impacted being Ubatuba, as reported by Anadolu Agency. However, the state government noted that around 800 people had lost their homes.

Sao Sebastiao Mayor Felipe Augusto noted that 50 homes in the city had collapsed from the flooding and landslides.

Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio de Freitas, meanwhile, declared an 18-day state of calamity for six towns.

Floods and Landslides in Brazil

Carnival celebrations have been canceled due to the flooding and landslides in Brazil.

Sao Sebastiao saw 627 millimeters of rainfall in 24 hours, which was twice the expected amount for the month.

The state government noted that a seven-year-old girl was killed when a 2-ton boulder impacted her home in Ubatuba.

A civil defense official told a local media outlet that they will be seeing "more deaths."

Freitas released $1.5 million to fund disaster relief.

The largest port in Latin America, Santos, was also shut down as the wind exceeded 55 kilometers per hour and waves rose to over a meter.

More heavy rain is expected in the area, which threatens to make conditions worse for those conducting rescue efforts.

Lula tweeted that all levels of government will be collaborating to treat the wounded, look for the missing, and restore highways.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

WATCH: Deadly flooding and landslides in Brazil's São Paulo state - from Guardian News