On February 19, heavy rain caused floods and landslides which killed at least 26 people and displaced over 500 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The government also declared a state of “public calamity” following the disaster in São Sebastião, Ubatuba, Bertioga, Caraguatatuba, Ilhabela. Weather forecasts show that the heavy rain will continue for the next week; rescue operations remain ongoing.

Millions of tourists are expected to participate in Brazil’s annual nationwide Carnival celebrations from February 17-22. Significant travel delays are expected as hundreds of thousands of tourists arrive from outside of the country. Security personnel will be more active during Carnival, with tens of thousands of officers on duty to respond to crimes targeting tourists becoming more prevalent.

Following a series of protests across the country, supporters of Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro have stormed government buildings around Brasilia, Brazil on January 8, and have demanded the military intervene against President da Silva. Riot police have clashed with protestors and are attempting to retake government buildings.