Thunderstorms cause flooding in Paraná and leave 440 people homeless in Pitanga
Heavy rains caused rivers to overflow in Pitanga and Goioxim on Thursday (5); properties were flooded and public services were affected.
The floods in the Paraná caused by this week’s storms left houses, streets and commercial establishments underwater in Pitanga, in the central region of the state. On Thursday (5), the overflow of rivers and the large volume of rain caused disturbances to the population. In Pitanga, at least 440 people had to leave their homes.
The storms gained intensity between Wednesday night (4) and Thursday morning (5). Images recorded in the municipalities show streets completely taken by water and real estate hit by floods.
In Pitanga, the situation is considered serious. According to information released by the authorities, at least 400 residents were displaced and sought shelter in the homes of family or friends. Another 40 people needed to be housed in public shelters.
Pitanga records 150 millimeters of rain
According to the Government of Paraná, Pitanga recorded approximately 150 millimeters of rainfall on Wednesday (4) alone. The large volume of precipitation contributed to the elevation of the level of the rivers and to the floods in different points of the city.
In addition to the losses in residences and commercial establishments, the storms compromised essential services. The water supply was interrupted, affecting residents and causing the suspension of school activities in the municipal network.
The Water and Land Institute (IAT) also announced the temporary closure of the Pitanga forest nursery. The structure was hit by water, which compromised access to the site. An assessment of the damage will be carried out after the reduction of the water level.
Goioxim also registers hit homes
In Goioxim, also in the central region of Paraná, storms caused flooding and damage to properties.
According to Defesa Civil, at least 50 homes were affected. Of this total, 49 suffered flooding and one was hit by a landslide.
The records show the size of the disorders faced by residents, especially in the areas most vulnerable to river level rise.
Temporaries leave the Paraná on alert
According to the Paraná Environmental Technology and Monitoring System (Simepar), the intensification of a low-pressure system favored the formation of severe storms in the State.
These phenomena can cause large volumes of rain in a short time, electric shocks, intense gusts of wind and hailfall.
Faced with the floods in Paraná, the guidance is that residents follow the official announcements and avoid crossing flooded streets, bridges covered by water and areas near rivers with high levels.
The population of Ponta Grossa and Campos Gerais should also monitor weather warnings, especially in periods of instability, to prevent risk situations.
Emergency phones and alerts from Defesa Civil
In emergency situations, the population can contact the responsible bodies:
Defesa Civil: 199
Firefighters: 193
Copel: 0800 51 00 116, for occurrences related to the supply of electricity.
Residents can also receive free Defesa Civil do Paraná alerts on their mobile phone. Simply send an SMS message with the residence ZIP code to the number 40199.
After registration, the system sends warnings about adverse weather conditions and risk situations in the reported region.
The authorities guide the population to follow the safety recommendations and follow up on the consequences of the storms.
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