Rough Seas and Heavy Rains Hit Rio and São Paulo Coasts, Prompting Alerts and Rescues

Overview

• Brazil’s Navy warning for coastal swell remains in force until 6 a.m. Monday, with waves up to three meters from Laguna (SC) to Arraial do Cabo (RJ).
• Lifeguards reported 320 ocean rescues on Saturday and 1,219 between Leme and São Conrado over New Year’s, as the search continues for a 14-year-old missing off Copacabana using helicopters, drones, divers and sonar.
• Authorities urge the public to stay out of the water, keep clear of rocks and overlooks, suspend fishing and navigation, follow lifeguard guidance, and call 193 or 199 in emergencies.
• The State of Rio’s civil defense issued an intense-rain alert through 6 a.m. Monday due to a South Atlantic Convergence Zone, with sirens activated in Formiga and support points opened; the Tijuca Forest sector of the national park was closed for safety.
• On the São Paulo coast, sustained downpours flooded streets and temporarily closed the Serra Mogi–Bertioga (SP-098) before a partial reopening, with Ubatuba logging up to 158 mm in six hours and at least 74 people left homeless in Mongaguá, Cubatão and Peruíbe.