In brief
A powerful storm has claimed eight lives and left Brazil grappling with blackouts and power outages, especially affecting São Paulo, the country's most populous state.
At least eight individuals lost their lives, and thousands remain without power as fierce storms ravaged Brazil on Friday. Central and southeastern regions faced gusts reaching 100 km/h (60 mph) and rainfall nearing 10 cm (4 in) daily, according to the National Institute of Meteorology. São Paulo suffered significant damage, with seven fatalities mainly due to toppled trees and collapsed structures. South-eastern residents reported brief yet intense storms. The state has encountered widespread blackouts since Friday, accompanied by water supply issues. Energy firm Enel noted over 1.3 million properties still lack electricity, aiming for full restoration by Monday. Residents in the Parque São Roberto neighborhood protested on Saturday after enduring more than 24 hours of blackout. In Brasilia, a violent rainstorm claimed a soldier's life. The torrential downpour led Chamber of Deputies officials to wield umbrellas indoors due to roof leaks. Despite the chaos, some view the downpour as a reprieve following 165 rainless days. Brazil's recent historic drought, linked by experts to climate change and El Niño, fueled raging wildfires, damaging the Amazon and Pantanal while blanketing cities in smoke. Data indicate July wildfires in the Amazon hit a two-decade high.
