Overview
- The Piraí River overflowed after days of heavy rain, inundating communities including El Torno, Mairana, Colpa Bélgica and Buena Vista in Santa Cruz.
- Official reports diverge on fatalities, with figures ranging from seven confirmed deaths to at least 20, and roughly 20 people reported missing.
- Santa Cruz has been placed under a disaster declaration, and a presidential crisis room is coordinating relief from the seat of government.
- Helicopters and overflights are reinforcing search-and-rescue operations as evacuations continue and access to isolated areas improves.
- Hundreds of families have been displaced or cut off, with shelters opened and authorities cautioning that more heavy rain could trigger additional flooding.