Severe Storms and Hail Trigger Emergency Status in Five Santa Catarina Municipalities

Five municipalities in Santa Catarina have declared a state of emergency following intense rainfall and hail that began on Friday, October 28. The affected cities include Florianópolis, Biguaçu, Ipuaçu, Bom Jesus, and Quilombo. According to the state Civil Defense, more than 3,200 residences were affected across the state, with Florianópolis reporting approximately 2,000 impacted properties and Biguaçu reporting 900. In Florianópolis, the storm caused significant damage to vehicles and homes, particularly in the North Island region where residents reported hail stones the size of golf balls or tennis balls.

As a result of the damage, municipal schools and nurseries in the North Island region of Florianópolis, as well as schools in Biguaçu, suspended classes on Monday, October 31. Local administrations are distributing emergency supplies such as tarps, mattresses, and roof tiles to affected families. A 39 year old tourist died after being struck by lightning at Sonho Beach in Palhoça on Saturday. Similar severe weather impacted the neighboring state of Rio Grande do Sul, where at least 47 municipalities suffered damages and two deaths were reported: a child in Porto Alegre and a man in Arroio Grande.

Weather alerts remain active until Tuesday morning, October 1. Authorities have warned of continued risks of flooding, landslides, and further hail, advising the population to remain indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.