/world
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (CNN) -- Traffic returned to normal Tuesday in the industrial city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, a day after flooding from a strong rainstorm stranded hundreds of motorists.
The storm earlier had caused major damage on its path through southern parts of the nation.
About 20,000 people remained without water Tuesday after the rushing floodwater tumbled a tree that damaged a water main. Water officials said they don't know when the problem could be fixed.
Just 15 minutes of heavy rainfall Monday was enough to cause flooding in many parts of Sao Paulo. The floodwater's current was strong enough to drag several buses and cars, stranding many in the middle of streets. Firefighters and other rescue personnel had to free trapped motorists.
Brazilian TV broadcast images taken from a helicopter that showed water up to window level on some cars and above that on others. One scene showed two men who had clambered through the two rooftop hatches of a bus to let rescuers know there were children inside. The white roof of the bus -- with the identifying number 6 1345 -- stood in stark contrast to the black water surrounding it.
Thousands of people had a hard time returning home after work.
More than 70 flights were suspended at the Conhongas airport, which was closed for two hours.
Ten neighborhoods in Sao Paulo lost power for several hours, paralyzing commercial centers and other businesses.
Residents complained that such flooding is a constant problem because officials won't do anything about improving drainage.
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