Bodies of a 12-year-old girl who fell into a manhole and a buried young man are found in BA

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The intense rains that have hit Salvador since the beginning of the week have already left a devastating toll of deaths, disappearances and material damage.

With an accumulated volume that tripled the historical average for the month of November, the capital of Bahia is facing one of the worst climate crises in recent decades. The tragedy, which has already mobilized rescue and humanitarian assistance efforts, exposes structural weaknesses and highlights the need for greater urban planning to mitigate the impacts of extreme events.

The numbers are alarming. In just five days, more than 606 rain-related incidents were recorded, including landslides, flooding and property collapses. One of the fatal victims identified is Paulo Andrade, 18 years old, who lost his life after being buried during a landslide in the Tancredo Neves neighborhood. The search for 12-year-old Amanda Teles, who went missing after falling into a manhole in Dias D’Ávila, keeps rescue teams on high alert.

In addition to human losses, the economic and social impacts of the rains have been devastating, affecting thousands of families and worsening precariousness in risk areas. Salvador City Hall and Civil Defense work tirelessly to respond to emergencies and prevent new tragedies, but the challenges are immense.

Rainfall records and historical comparison

The volume of rainfall recorded in Salvador this month of November has already exceeded 319 millimeters, marking the period as the wettest since 1961. The historical average for the month, of 108 mm, was exceeded by more than three times, according to data from the Institute National Meteorology. This significant increase reflects the impact of climate change and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, which require urgent adaptations in the planning of Brazilian cities.

Comparatively, the last major event of intense rain in Salvador, which occurred in 2015, left 16 dead and more than 200 homeless. At the time, experts warned of the vulnerability of slopes and the need for structural work in critical areas. Despite some interventions, the repetition of similar tragedies indicates that there is still a long way to go.

Impacts on daily life and infrastructure

The consequences of rain are felt in all aspects of urban life. Widespread flooding makes traffic difficult and compromises public transport, leaving thousands of people without access to essential services. The interruption of sea crossings to Mar Grande and Morro de São Paulo, decreed by the Brazilian Navy, exemplifies the seriousness of the situation and its impact on tourism and the local economy.

Among the most affected regions, neighborhoods such as Subúrbio Ferroviário, São Cristóvão and Brotas have dozens of occurrences of landslides and floods. In peripheral communities, where infrastructure is limited, rains intensify social inequalities and put the lives of entire families at risk.

The rescue teams mobilized include firefighters, Civil Defense technicians, volunteers and NGOs, who work in adverse conditions to save lives and offer support to victims. In the search operation for Amanda Teles, for example, drones, helicopters, special cameras and sniffer dogs are being used, highlighting the level of complexity of the missions.

Furthermore, the population has shown solidarity, organizing campaigns to collect food, clothing and hygiene products for the affected families. Initiatives like these reinforce the importance of unity in times of crisis, while also highlighting the need for greater government support to guarantee the safety and well-being of citizens.

Risk areas and preventive alerts

In Salvador, more than 600 thousand people live in risk areas, according to a survey by the Civil Defense itself. Steep slopes and irregular constructions are factors that worsen the vulnerability of these locations. During the recent rains, warning sirens were activated in 14 neighborhoods, advising residents to leave their homes to avoid tragedies.

Authorities recommend that the population follow the guidance of emergency teams and seek safe shelter, especially in cases of landslide warning. The creation of more effective public policies for the resettlement of families in risk areas is an urgent demand that, if not met, will continue to result in avoidable human losses.

List of main recommendations for residents in risk areas

1. Avoid staying in hillside areas during heavy rain.
2. Do not drive through flooded streets to prevent accidents and illnesses.
3. Seek safe shelters in case of an alert issued by the authorities.
4. Keep documents and essential items in easily accessible places.
5. Report risk situations to Civil Defense through official channels.

Long-term mitigation measures

Combating the effects of rain in Salvador requires robust investments in infrastructure and urban planning. Among the priority measures are the strengthening of drainage systems, the reorganization of housing areas and the implementation of nature-based solutions, such as reforestation and the creation of permeable areas.

Experiences from cities like Curitiba, which invested in linear parks and water containment reservoirs, demonstrate that integrated strategies can significantly reduce the impacts of extreme events. The application of these solutions in Salvador, however, depends on efficient coordination between different levels of government and civil society.

Climate future and urban challenges

The rains in Salvador reflect a broader scenario of intensification of extreme weather events around the world. The World Meteorological Organization warns that, by 2050, the frequency and intensity of torrential rains could increase by up to 30%, putting millions of people at risk.

This context reinforces the need for more resilient cities, capable of adapting to new climate conditions and protecting their populations. In Salvador, the challenge is especially great due to the combination of topography, population density and social inequalities, which make the capital vulnerable to tragedies like those seen this week.

Statistical data and economic impacts

1. Rainfall volume in November 2024: 319 mm (triple the historical average of 108 mm).
2. Number of incidents recorded by Civil Defense: 606.
3. Population living in risk areas in Salvador: more than 600 thousand people.
4. Landslide alert issued in 14 neighborhoods in the city.
5. Preliminary estimate of economic losses: R$15 million.

Open conclusion on the need for collective action

The rain disaster in Salvador requires more than emergency responses. A collective effort is needed involving governments, companies and the population to transform the tragedy into a starting point for structural and behavioral changes. Only in this way will it be possible to prevent future events from resulting in new human and economic losses.