44 dead after landslides on Brazilian coast
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Sao Paulo: In Sao Paulo state, Brazil, the death toll from landslides and floods increased to 44 over the weekend, and nearly 40 people are still unaccounted for, according to the local authorities.
In Sao Sebastiao, 43 people perished in landslides brought on by torrential rains, while one person perished at the beach town of Ubatuba, according to a statement released by the Sao Paulo government.
More than 2,400 people had to be evacuated from the area after their homes were destroyed, according to official reports released on Tuesday.
The landslide occurred during Carnival festivities, which were mostly suspended, leaving many tourists stranded as numerous roads and highways leading to seaside resorts were damaged, Xinhua news agency reported.
The cities most affected and under a state of calamity are Sao Sebastiao, Ubatuba, Guaruja, Bertioga, Ilhabela and Caraguatatuba.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva cut short his vacation on Monday and travelled to the affected area to announce support for Sao Sebastiao, pledging federal funds for housing construction.
Meanwhile, the Sao Paulo Social Fund and Civil Defence agency have begun distributing 7.5 tons of donated humanitarian aid to victims.
With inputs from IANS
