The torrential rains in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil have resulted in devastating consequences, claiming the lives of at least 11 people, according to information from the fire department reported to AFP on Sunday.
The northern parts of Rio were severely impacted by the rainstorm, leading to fatalities caused by landslides, drownings, and electrocutions. The search for a missing woman, whose car fell into a river, was still ongoing as of Sunday evening.
The intensity of the rainfall caused water levels to reach the roofs of cars along Avenida de Brasil, a major city thoroughfare. In response to the crisis, Mayor Eduardo Paes declared an “emergency” situation, urging residents to stay home for their safety and to facilitate ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
Transportation services were significantly disrupted, with a dozen bus lines and several metro stations shutting down due to water on the tracks. Some areas of the city received a month’s worth of typical January rainfall within a 24-hour period. Firefighters reported responding to 200 storm-related events.
In the Acari neighborhood, one of the worst affected areas, the Ronaldo Gazolla hospital’s basement offices were flooded, and businesses suffered significant damage. Residents in the affected regions expressed frustration with the recurring issue, emphasizing the regular transformation of their surroundings into pools or lagoons during heavy rains.
A national agency monitoring natural disasters highlighted a high risk of landslides in eight towns in the surrounding state of Rio de Janeiro. The situation underscores the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the immediate aftermath and implement measures to mitigate the impact of such extreme weather events in the future.
