Major landslides force closure of São Paulo’s Mogi-Bertioga and Oswaldo Cruz highways
Heavy rainfall exceeding safe operational limits has led to the complete closure of vital highways along São Paulo’s northern coast, effective Sunday evening, January 22, 2025. The Mogi-Bertioga and Oswaldo Cruz highways were both impacted by multiple landslides, rendering them impassable for traffic. Authorities recorded an approximate peak rainfall of 225 millimeters, a volume significantly above the threshold considered safe for the mountainous stretches of these roads, prompting immediate safety measures to be enacted across the affected region.
The sudden and intense precipitation has created hazardous conditions, with soil instability contributing to debris flows that have obstructed critical transportation arteries. Emergency crews were swiftly mobilized to assess the damage and commence operations aimed at restoring passage.
Travelers are strongly advised to seek alternative routes to navigate the state’s northern coastline. These include:
- The Anchieta-Imigrantes System
- The Tamoios Highway
Road closures and rain impact
The decision to interdict both the Mogi-Bertioga (SP-098) and Oswaldo Cruz (SP-125) highways came shortly after 6:20 p.m. on Sunday, January 22, 2025. This preventive measure was deemed necessary due to the significant risk posed by continued soil saturation and potential further instability following the extraordinary downpour. The 225-millimeter rainfall mark represents a critical breach of safety parameters established for the region.
Concessionária Novo Litoral (CNL), responsible for the Mogi-Bertioga highway, confirmed its teams are actively engaged on-site. The company emphasized its commitment to safety, stating that personnel are continuously monitoring both the weather conditions and the integrity of the highway structure, including comprehensive inspections of embankments. The objective is to reopen the roads as quickly and securely as possible, ensuring public safety remains the top priority throughout the recovery process.
Emergency response and traffic alternatives
Following the reports of landslides, the Military Police promptly alerted conservation teams. These specialized crews are currently en route from São Luiz do Paraitinga, equipped with the necessary machinery and expertise to begin clearing the debris and reinforce compromised sections of the affected highways. The coordinated response involves multiple agencies working to mitigate the immediate dangers and develop a comprehensive plan for long-term stabilization of the areas prone to landslides.
For those needing to travel to or from the northern coast of São Paulo, utilizing the Anchieta-Imigrantes System or the Tamoios Highway is the recommended course of action. These routes, while potentially increasing travel time, offer safer and currently unimpeded passage. Drivers are urged to check real-time traffic updates and weather advisories before departing, as conditions can change rapidly in mountainous regions susceptible to heavy rainfall.
Widespread damage in coastal municipalities
The severe weather has not been confined to highway closures, causing extensive damage across several coastal municipalities. Ubatuba, located on the northern coast, bore the brunt of the storm’s intensity throughout the weekend. Preliminary assessments indicate that approximately 400 residential properties were impacted by flooding.
The state Civil Defense reported a significant humanitarian toll in Ubatuba, with 15 families rendered homeless and another 15 families displaced from their residences due to the rising waters and structural damage. Local authorities are coordinating relief efforts, providing shelter and assistance to those affected by the widespread inundation, while also monitoring for potential health and safety risks in flooded areas.
The scale of the damage underscores the vulnerability of coastal communities to extreme weather events, highlighting the ongoing need for robust infrastructure and effective emergency preparedness strategies. Recovery operations in Ubatuba are expected to be extensive, involving cleanup, damage assessment, and support for rebuilding efforts over the coming weeks.
Rescue operations in the southern coast
Further south, the Civil Defense issued a severe alert on Saturday, January 21, 2025, for an elevated risk of landslides and flooding in São Paulo’s southern coastal region. In a precautionary move, Peruíbe’s Civil Defense proactively closed a section of the Guaraú road’s mountainous stretch. Visual evidence from the area clearly depicted the destructive power of the recent rains, with saturated soil and runoff causing visible erosion.
Tragically, initial reports from the southern coast confirmed a localized incident where a section of an embankment gave way, collapsing onto a private property. Emergency services, including the Fire Department and municipal Civil Defense teams, quickly arrived at the scene to commence search and rescue operations. However, despite concerted efforts, one individual remains unaccounted for following the barranco collapse, intensifying the urgency of the ongoing search.
Monitoring and future outlook
Concessionaires and emergency services continue to closely monitor the meteorological conditions throughout the state’s coastal regions. The goal is to anticipate any further heavy rainfall or geological instabilities that could exacerbate the current situation or pose new threats to residents and infrastructure.
Specialized geotechnical teams are conducting detailed inspections of vulnerable slopes and road sections, employing advanced technology to identify potential areas of concern before they develop into critical incidents. These evaluations are crucial for guiding future road re-opening decisions and for implementing long-term prevention strategies.
The focus remains on safety, with public advisories being updated regularly to inform residents and travelers about the most current conditions and any necessary precautions. While efforts to clear the highways are underway, authorities caution that full restoration of normal traffic flow may take time, depending on the extent of the damage and subsequent weather patterns.
The events of this weekend serve as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines issued by civil defense and transportation authorities during periods of extreme weather. Preparedness and vigilance are key to mitigating risks in these susceptible regions.
Safety advisories for travelers
Authorities urge anyone planning travel through the affected coastal areas to remain vigilant, consult official government and concessionaire websites for the latest updates, and strictly follow all posted signage and instructions from emergency personnel. Driving in adverse weather conditions or on unverified alternative routes can pose significant risks.
