from what they called "a sea of mud". By 21 February, 7.5 tons of relief goods including food, water and hygiene kits were distributed in São Paulo. Some aid efforts were hampered due to criminal activities like looting trucks carrying donations. Governor Tarcísio de Freitas declared a state of emergency for five cities on 20 February. A 180-day "state of calamity" was subsequently declared for São Paulo. That day, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva toured the affected areas and stated that São Sebastião would be rebuilt in safer areas. He advised those living on the hillsides to move to other locations. In 22 February, the NAM Atlântico set sail from the Rio de Janeiro Navy Arsenal with a field hospital on board, with a capacity that could be increased to up to 300 beds. The vessel arrived to the port of São Sebastião in 23 February, also carrying 28 medics of several specialties including surgeons, dentists and orthopedists, as well as 180 marines who were designated to operate heavy machinery in aid of the search and rescue efforts. Brazilian Carnival festivities were cancelled in Bertioga, Ilhabela, São Sebastião, and Ubatuba. See also Weather in 2023 Climate of Brazil References External links 2023 floods in Brazil Landslides in 2023 February 2023 events in Brazil Landslides in Brazil 2023 floods