In just four days, the city of Maricá recorded more rainfall than the total expected for February, resulting in temporary evacuations and rescue efforts due to flooding risks.
Maricá, located in the Metropolitan Region of Rio de Janeiro, has experienced unprecedented rainfall within the first few days of February, exceeding the monthly forecast significantly. The local Civil Defense reported that the Espraiado neighborhood accumulated 199.08 millimeters of rainfall in just 96 hours, which is about 10% more than the average expected for the entire month. This intense weather event has raised alarms about potential flooding risks in the area.
Due to the severe weather conditions, two families had to evacuate their homes to ensure their safety, with a total of 15 people affected by the situation. The municipal Secretary of Social Assistance is currently monitoring these families and providing necessary support. In addition to evacuations, emergency responders were actively involved in rescue operations, including assisting a couple of visitors who found themselves trapped near the Cachoeira do Espraiado after the water levels surged dramatically, necessitating the use of ropes for their safe passage.
The rapid accumulation of rainfall not only endangers the affected residents but also underscores the growing impact of climate phenomena in the region. Authorities are closely watching weather patterns and are likely to increase public safety measures to prevent further damage from potential flooding as the month progresses and the rainy season continues. The situation in Maricá serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by urban areas amid changing climate conditions.
