The impacts of heavy rains on the coast of Santa Catarina were mitigated by the weather situation this Saturday (18), which is sunny in a large part of the territory, according to the State Secretariat for Communication.
Despite this, there is an indication of more rain in the state over the weekend. “The instability is gaining strength again, with rain showers, isolated thunderstorms, lightning, gusts of wind and possible hail, especially in the coastal regions and adjacent areas.”
The arrival of a cold front is expected for tomorrow (19) and Monday (20), accompanied by intense thunderstorms. “The risk of structural damage due to flooding, floods, among others, is high”, informs a note published by the government.
Homeless
According to the State Secretariat for Civil Protection and Defense, there are around 320 homeless people, 995 homeless. The department continues to monitor the climate and provide assistance to the affected population.
“To date, 13 municipalities have declared an emergency situation, due to flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure. According to the Civil Defense forecast, new storms are expected to hit the Coast over the weekend”, says the note.
Municipalities affected
The cities that declared an emergency are Camboriú, Tijucas, Biguaçu, Florianópolis, Porto Belo, Ilhota, Balneário Camboriú, São José, Palhoça, Governador Celso Ramos, Itapema, São Pedro de Alcântara and Gaspar. According to the secretariat, Biguaçu recorded one of the highest volumes of precipitation, with 434.8 mm of rain in 48 hours, followed by Florianópolis (375.6 mm) and São José (357.1 mm)”, he added.
Residents and traders in the municipalities served are receiving humanitarian aid from Civil Defense teams. “So far, Biguaçu, Camboriú, Itapema, Porto Belo, Tijucas and Balneário Camboriú have already received emergency support. Among the items distributed are drinking water, basic food baskets, cleaning and personal hygiene kits and mattresses. In addition, shelters were made available to the displaced population.
Firemen
Even though this Saturday’s situation has mitigated the impacts, the Santa Catarina Military Fire Department (CBMSC) reinforced the Civil Defense warning about the risks of landslides in Greater Florianópolis and on the north coast. The reason is the saturation of the soil, combined with the forecast of new rains in the coming days, which significantly increases the risk of landslides. As the soil remains wet and does not have enough time to absorb and drain the water, the corporation advises the population in risk areas to remain on alert.
The recommendation for those who live on slopes or areas already affected by rain is to pay attention to signs of danger, such as cracks in the soil or movement of earth. If there is any sign of risk, it is essential to immediately seek a safe place.
Health
The State Department of Health (SES) drew attention to the dangers of contact with contaminated water in areas that have suffered flooding, to avoid illnesses.
According to the superintendent of health surveillance at SES, Fábio Gaudenzi, periods of intense rain with flooding are associated with an increase in cases of leptospirosis and diarrheal diseases, making it necessary to take preventive measures.
The initial symptoms of leptospirosis, a serious disease caused by bacteria present in the urine of contaminated animals – such as rats, for example – are high fever, headache, malaise and intense pain in the body, especially in the calves. “In more serious cases, jaundice, difficulty breathing and bleeding may occur, which can lead to death”, Symptoms may appear up to 40 days after contact with water, mud or sewage.
“During this period, people should self-monitor, triggering any symptoms such as fever, body pain, tiredness, seek a health service and let them know that you have had contact with this water because you can develop leptospirosis”, added Fábio.
The ministry also recommended that in the event of a bite, the person should contact the Santa Catarina Toxicological Information and Assistance Center (Ciatox), by calling 0800 643 5252. The service operates 24 hours a day.
