Death toll from Brazil floods, landslides rises to 40

By Salih Okuroglu

ANKARA / BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - The death toll from flooding and landslides due to heavy rains that hit the Brazilian state of Sao Paulo has risen to 40, according to officials.

Sao Paulo Governor Tarcisio Gomes de Freitas said on Monday a state of disaster was declared in five provinces as a result of heavy rains. He added that 228 people were evacuated due to floods and landslides, 338 were left homeless, and 40 lost their lives.

Two armed forces helicopters were sent to the region to support search and rescue efforts, and seven planes were prepared for humanitarian aid, he said.

Freitas also announced that $1.5 million in aid was sent to the disaster area.

The National Meteorological Institute said the expected precipitation for the entire month of February fell in the state in the last 24 hours, doing great damage.

Roads, power lines, communication, and passenger transport were disrupted by heavy rains.

Carnival celebrations were reportedly canceled in many cities and dozens of people were missing.

- President to visit disaster area

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced on Twitter that he will visit the disaster area. "We will come together with all the units of the state and take care of the wounded with social solidarity. We will search for the missing and restore roads, energy and telecommunication links in the region," Lula said.

Felipe Augusto, head of the southeastern coastal municipality of Sao Sebastiao, said in a statement that they are facing a chaotic situation. "We have not measured the extent of the damage yet. We are trying to save the victims," he said.

Augusto said that about 50 homes were flooded and the situation was "quite critical."