Canadians heading to Brazil anytime soon will want to be aware of a new travel advisory for the country issued by the Government of Canada.

Travellers to the South American country are being urged to “exercise a high degree of caution” after a bout of severe weather, including heavy rains that have caused flooding and landslides.

With infrastructure and essential services affected, particularly in the capital Rio de Janeiro, here’s what to know about the advisory.

“Heavy rains have caused severe flooding and landslides in Brazil, resulting in several casualties,” the Government of Canada said.

According to the travel advisory, the floods have caused significant damage to buildings and infrastructure in the state of Rio de Janeiro, particularly in Rio de Janeiro city and in the municipalities of Barra do Piraí, Japeri, Mendes and Nova Iguaçu.

The landslides and flooding also resulted in the deaths of at least eight people in Rio de Janeiro state, the Associated Press reports.

The state government also warned that there was still a high possibility of more floods and landslides in 10 cities, including Rio de Janeiro, says the AP.

Canada’s travel advisory warns that essential services may be disrupted as a result, including transportation, fuel supply, water and food supply, telecommunications networks, emergency services and medical care.

“Landslides are becoming more common in Brazil and are the result of heavy rainfall,” says the Government of Canada. “During heavy rainfall, landslides are more likely to occur.”

Several cities in Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, are currently under yellow alerts for rainfall, according to Brazil’s National Institute of Meteorology, which warns of potential danger due to heavy rains over the next few days, with totals of up to 50 millimetres per day accompanied by intense winds.

Those travelling to or in Brazil are advised to stay away from the affected areas, exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports for updates, and follow the instructions of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

El Niño effect on Brazil’s weather

The heavy rains can be attributed to El Niño, a climate pattern that describes the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

The weather phenomenon, which is currently influencing weather around the world, generally generates droughts and heavy rainfalls, which could cause flooding, landslides, and mudslides, and could severely disrupt travel, according to the government.

Severe weather can occur during an El Niño pattern, including below-average rainfall and droughts in the north and northeast, excessive rains in the south and southeast of the country, and above-average temperatures in all regions, says the advisory.

The government recommends that Canadians stay up-to-date on regional weather forecasts before and during travels, and plan accordingly.

“Ensure you have adequate insurance to cover the consequences of such events, including the disruption of travel plans,” it says.

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.