5 Killed as Powerful Winds Batter Rio and Sao Paulo

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Rio de Janeiro: At least five people have been killed after powerful winds swept across Rio de Janeiro and parts of Sao Paulo state, toppling trees, disrupting transport, triggering power outages and causing widespread damage.

Authorities said two people died when a wall collapsed in Rio de Janeiro, while another person was killed after a tree fell in the coastal city of Santos in Sao Paulo state. Two additional deaths were also reported as severe weather affected the region.

Wind gusts reached up to 100 km/h in Rio de Janeiro and as high as 111 km/h in Santos, catching residents off guard and bringing large parts of both cities to a standstill.

More than 90 trees were brought down in Rio, causing road closures, power cuts and major disruption to the city's public transport network. The three subway lines were temporarily halted, leaving thousands of commuters stranded during the evening rush hour.

Several airports in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo also faced operational disruptions. Santos Dumont Airport suspended flights for around two hours before services gradually resumed.

Officials said the severe weather was caused by the approach of an oceanic cold front. The strong winds also forced crowds to flee Rio's famous beaches, including Ipanema and Copacabana, as flying sand, beach umbrellas and chairs created hazardous conditions.

Emergency teams continued clearing debris and restoring services, while a search remained under way for a fisherman reported missing in the coastal town of Tarituba.

Pic Credit: AFP