Torrential rains have fallen in parts of Bahia State in northeastern Brazil since mid-November 2021. At least 5 people were killed and hundreds of homes were damaged by flooding and landslides in several municipalities.
The municipality of Itaberaba in Bahia State suffered the most damage. Authorities declared a state of emergency on November 10. More than 300 mm of rain fell in 48 hours in Itaberaba.
Further flooding caused severe damage on November 27, 2021. Dozens of homes were damaged and 2 people were killed. Local authorities reported 44 homeless families and another 103 victims.
More recently, heavy rains hit the southern parts of the state, particularly in the municipality of Itamaraju, where 3 people from one family were killed and at least six homes collapsed after a landslide on December 08. Access to the site was difficult, hampering rescue operations. Civil Defense said 2,152 people in 538 homes in the area were at landslide risk.
Flooding in the town of Jucuruçu occurred Dec. 07 after the Gado Bravo and Jucuruçu rivers burst their banks. Hundreds of homes were flooded and residents were evacuated due to flood damage and the threat of landslides.
Buildings collapsed in the municipalities of Teixeira de Freitas and Porto Seguro after heavy rain in late December 07. No injuries were reported. However, one person was injured after part of a building collapsed in Eunapolis. Meanwhile, in the municipality of Prado, coastal roads were cut due to flooding, leaving about 5,000 residents of Cumuruxatiba isolated.
The authorities of Itamaraju and Porto Seguro declared a local state of emergency. State Governor Rui Costa pledged help and support to those affected and dispatched fire, civil defense and military teams to the affected areas.
“As soon as I learned of the tragedies caused by the hurricanes, I ordered that state agencies conduct the necessary surveys and provide all possible support to the affected municipalities. I sympathize with the families and friends of the victims,” he said.