In the early hours of Sunday (30), the state of São Paulo faced heavy rains that caused the death of at least 24 people in eight different municipalities. One of the cities affected was Itapevi, where a baby of three died after a house collapsed.
In an interview with CNN This Monday (31), the city’s mayor, Igor Soares (Podemos), warned the population not to return to properties that are prohibited in risk areas. “We even have a police force to prevent these families from entering these risky properties,” he said.
The mayor informed that only one place in Itapevi was affected by the landslide, and that 12 houses are under constant surveillance by the authorities and the Civil Defense. In addition to the baby who died, four other people were rescued and are doing well.
Soares pointed out that the city government is providing the necessary support to all victims, even providing rooms in hotels in the city to house the affected families for the next few nights. Also according to the mayor, a social rent in the amount of R$ 800 is being paid so that the victims can rent a safe place to sleep.
“The city government has made every effort in the social area. All families are being supported and we are making an effort to isolate this area and prevent another tragedy from happening in the place”, said Soares.
The mayor stressed that there are many residents trying to return to the interdicted properties to try to rescue documents and other belongings. However, according to Soares, there is still a potential risk in areas affected by the rains.
“Right now, the guidance that we ask all citizens is that they really obey Civil Defense orders in places that are isolated and that can respect limitations. We ask you not to look for your belongings and always be very careful to enter these areas that are limited by the prefecture “, concluded the mayor.
According to the Civil Defense of São Paulo, “the disturbances caused by bad weather also left around 660 families homeless or displaced”. In addition to Itapevi, seven other cities recorded deaths due to the storms. In all, deaths were recorded in the following counties:
- Franco da Rocha: 8
- Francisco Morato: 4
- Embu das Artes: 3
- Várzea Paulista: 5
- Aruja: 1
- Ribeirão Preto: 1
- Jaú: 1
- Itapevi: 1
Source: CNN Brasil
