In brief
Severe storms swept through central and southeastern Brazil, killing at least eight individuals and causing widespread power outages. Winds reaching 100 km/h and torrential rain have impacted Sao Paulo and other regions, following the country's severe drought linked to climate change and El Niño.
A fierce storm tore through central and southeastern Brazil, leaving at least eight people dead and causing devastation to infrastructure as parts of the country struggle to recover from the worst drought in history. Seven fatalities were recorded in São Paulo, Brazil’s most populated state, primarily from falling trees and debris due to winds and heavy rain. The National Institute of Meteorology reported winds of up to 100 km/h (60 mph) and daily rainfall of 10 cm (4 inches). Large sections of São Paulo state are engulfed in darkness due to extensive blackouts since the storm hit on Friday, with water supply disruptions exacerbating the situation. Energy provider Enel declared more than 1.3 million homes and businesses remain powerless, with restoration efforts aimed at completion by Monday. In response to prolonged outages, residents of São Paulo's Parque São Roberto conducted a pot-banging protest after over 24 hours without power. In Brasilia, tragic incidents included the death of a soldier and an injury at the military police headquarters. The intensity of the storm led to unusual scenes at the Chamber of Deputies, where officials resorted to umbrellas against roof leaks. Nevertheless, many in Brasilia welcomed the rain as a welcome reprieve from a record 165-day dry spell. Brazil’s extended drought, attributed to climate change and El Niño, contributed to rampant wildfires in the Amazon and Pantanal wetlands. Government data indicates July saw wildfire occurrences reaching a two-decade peak. This juxtaposition of drought and destructive rainfall frames a climate crisis gripping the nation.
