Storms and Floods

Tropical Storms - Roundup of Tropical Storms:

In the Southern Hemisphere: Tropical cyclone 11s (Freddy), located approximately 227 nm east-northeast of Port Louis, Mauritius, is tracking west-southwestward at 17 knots.

Newsbytes:

Paraguay - Overflowing rivers in the department of Amambay in northeastern Paraguay have damaged roads and bridges and affected 700 indigenous families in the area. The Aquidabán river in Amambay Department broke its banks on 16 February. Several people had to be rescued by helicopter. Photos showed floodwater up to roof height. The flooding caused significant material damage and many residents have lost all their belongings, local media reported.

Brazil - The governor of São Paulo state in Brazil has declared a state of emergency after torrential rain triggered flooding and landslides in areas of the north coast of the state. Authorities said that as much as 683 mm of rain fell in Bertioga in a 24-hour period to 19 February 2023. As of 20 February, 36 deaths were confirmed, including 35 in São Sebastião – 31 in Barra do Sahy, two in Juquehy, one in Camburi, one in Boiçucanga – and one in Ubatuba. Flooding and landslides have damaged homes across the region and 566 people have been displaced or made homeless.

New Zealand - Police in New Zealand report that over 6,000 people are still reported as uncontactable following the devastation left by floods, strong winds and high waves brought by Cyclone Gabrielle. As of 19 February, there have been 6,431 reports of uncontactable people registered and 3,216 reports from people registering that they are okay. Between 12 and 14 February, parts of New Zealand recorded rainfall amounts of 300-400mm, wind gusts of 130-140km/h and waves as high as 11 metres along some coasts.