Rio Tietê flooding causes urban damage and pollution in São Paulo

Heavy rainfall has caused the Tietê River to overflow, with water flow exceeding twice its normal maximum limit. The flooding has impacted the capital of São Paulo and the interior, causing significant damage in neighborhoods such as Jardim Pantanal and Jardim Helena. Residents reported intense, rapid flooding that occurred during the early morning hours.

In the city of Salto, the floodwaters carried large amounts of debris and trash into the historic Lavras Hydroelectric Plant. Aerial images show thousands of plastic bottles and wood fragments trapped within the early 20th-century structure, raising concerns regarding both environmental pollution and the preservation of historical heritage.

Critics have noted that while flooding is a historical issue, the intensity and timing—occurring as early as September—suggest an intensification due to climate change. Furthermore, researchers have pointed out that climate action plans for cities like Salvador may be overly generic, as they appear to be modeled closely after São Paulo’s plan, utilizing the same consultants and global networks like C40.