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Extreme Rain Volume Leaves Streets Impassable, Schools Flooded With Water and Forces Emergency Mobilization of the Civil Defense in the Face of One of the Greatest Floods Ever Registered in the Bay of Coast
In the state of Rio de Janeiro, the municipality of Rio das Ostras is experiencing one of the most severe flooding episodes ever recorded. After accumulating 190 mm of rain in 24 hours, according to data from the Civil Defense, the city declared a level two state of emergency, characterized by moderate natural disasters with significant damage. The information was released by “Inter TV RJ”, based on reports from the municipal Civil Defense and local authorities, who detailed the impact of the storm in different neighborhoods.
The extremely high volume caused flooding in over 20 neighborhoods, turning streets into real rivers and leaving entire communities isolated. According to the Civil Defense, at least 17 people were rescued, including 14 children, who were taken to the municipal shelter.
Additionally, aerial images taken by drone show the extent of the flooding, with roads completely submerged and cars floating in the current. From above, the scene is impressive. However, at street level, the reality is even more dramatic.
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Civil Defense Records Volumes Over 190 mm and Alert Blocks Cell Phones in the Bay of Coast
Although the rainfall station of Semadem recorded 144 mm of rain, the data collected at the Civil Defense base exceeded the mark of 190 mm in just 24 hours. According to the agency, this is considered an “absurd” volume and equivalent to what recently occurred in Juiz de Fora, but with even faster effects due to the geographical characteristics of the municipality.
As a direct consequence, practically all streets were flooded. Rio Grande do Sul street, in the Cidade Praiana neighborhood, became a symbol of the tragedy: the water completely took over the road, and the side streets presented the same scenario.
Furthermore, the morning after the storm, cell phones located in the city had their screens blocked by a heavy rain alert, issued for the entire Bay of Coast of the State of Rio. The warning reinforced the gravity of the situation and advised residents to seek safe locations.
In less than an hour, the Civil Defense headquarters received over 30 emergency calls. In several localities, access was only possible by boat. Meanwhile, teams were working intensively to rescue stranded families.
Medeiros Canal and Jundiá River Overflow and City Hall Initiates Emergency Drainage
With the high volume of precipitation, the Medeiros Canal and the Jundiá River overflowed, further worsening the flood. The center of Rio das Ostras was completely engulfed by water. The street in front of City Hall looked like a river, with vehicles partially submerged.
Schools were also affected. At the Maria da Penha de Oliveira unit, in the Palmital neighborhood, classrooms were flooded. The children were placed on benches while waiting for their parents, who faced flooded streets to pick them up. In light of the situation, classes were suspended.
In the Operário neighborhood, manicurist Lauriane, who is 5 months pregnant and mother of two other children, lost furniture, appliances, and the room she was preparing for her daughter. Refrigerator, stove, cabinet, and various belongings were destroyed by the water.
Meanwhile, residents like Nélio, who founded the community 40 years ago, claim to have never witnessed a situation like this. His residence recorded over 1 meter of water. Part of his livestock was lost, with only horses and cattle being rescued in time.
In light of the critical situation, the municipal crisis cabinet met to define emergency strategies. Among the actions announced by the mayor are mechanical drainage at the most affected points, more frequent cleaning of the canals, and collaboration with the state government for structural investments, especially in partnership with the municipality of Casimiro de Abreu, since the Medeiros Canal is a tributary of the São João River.
The level two state of emergency allows the municipality to expedite contracts and mobilize extraordinary resources. However, as long as the rain does not cease and the water does not completely drain, hundreds of families remain awaiting support and reconstruction.
With information from: Record Interior RJ
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