Brazil president to visit area affected by floods that killed 36

By Bala Chambers

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AA) - Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is set to visit the flooded areas on the coast of the state of Sao Paulo on Monday, which has killed at least 36 people.

Lula has cut short his vacation where he was spending carnival in the northeastern state of Bahia in order to closely monitor the affected area that has been struck by torrential flooding - impacting homes and roads.

On Sunday, Lula announced on Twitter he would visit the region following the efforts by authorities to combat what he called a "tragedy".

Lula confirmed that the armed forces are working in joint efforts with the Sao Paulo authorities to help the victims affected by the flooding.

The Brazilian leader pledged to "unite all levels of government and with society's solidarity, to help the injured, to look for the missing people, to restore roads, power connections and telecommunications in the region."

"My condolences go to the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy," added Lula.

Eight officials are set to accompany the president during his visit to the region.

At least 36 people have died as a result of the flooding and landslides that have also left 228 homeless, according to Poder360. The most impacted areas by the storms are the northern coast of Sao Paulo, the cities of Sao Sebastian and Ubatuba.

A number of municipalities have also been impacted alongside cities such as Caraguatatuba and Ilhabela and part of the southern coast.

On Feb. 18, the mayor of Sao Sebastiao, Felipe Augusto, and the governor of Sao Paulo Tarcisio de Freitas flew over the affected regions, meeting with Colonel Hengeel Ricardo Pereira, state coordinator of Civil Defense.

Augusto confirmed "the situation is extremely serious," saying Sao Sebastiao was experiencing a "chaotic moment."

Authorities say more rain is forecast as they continue to work hard to combat the situation and help victims.