Rio Bonito, located in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro, has been placed on alert following severe rainfall over the weekend. According to the Civil Defense, the city experienced a rainfall accumulation of 180 mm within just 96 hours, surpassing the expected monthly average for February, which is typically around 174 mm. The heavy rains led to the displacement of seven families, comprising 22 individuals who were forced to leave their homes due to unsafe conditions. In total, the Civil Defense responded to 23 emergency calls, including the suspension of seven buildings and 10 incidents of landslides.

The most significant impact from the rain occurred on Saturday afternoon, where a sudden downpour recorded 75 mm within a single hour in central Rio Bonito. This rapid accumulation contributed to flooding and displacements, raising concerns over infrastructure and community safety. Major Christiano Rodrigues, the Secretary of Environmental Affairs and Civil Defense, addressed the situation, noting that the flooding was mostly due to the overwhelming amount of rain, although he acknowledged that the city’s rivers remain clean and cleared of obstructions.

The ongoing situation highlights the vulnerability of areas like Rio Bonito to extreme weather patterns, potentially exacerbated by climate change. Local authorities are advised to take urgent preventive measures to enhance infrastructure resilience as rainfall patterns continue to evolve. The community’s response and preparedness for similar events can also play a crucial role in minimizing future impacts.