Accumulated Rain in Natal
Natal, Brazil experienced significant rainfall this February, surpassing average monthly totals and causing flooding in various neighborhoods.
In early February, Natal recorded a total of 140 millimeters of rain, exceeding the historical average of 100 millimeters for the month. This rainfall has caused severe flooding in several areas, particularly affecting neighborhoods such as Jardim Primavera, where many residents are facing challenges due to overflowing catchment lagoons. Reports indicate that from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning alone, automatic rain measuring equipment recorded 80.2 mm at Parque da Cidade and 93.6 mm in the PajuΓ§ara neighborhood.
The local government has been monitoring the situation closely, as the flooding has displaced approximately 160 families, all of whom are currently staying with relatives. In light of this emergency, the Secretaria de Meio Ambiente e Urbanismo has been involved in assessing the impact and providing necessary assistance to affected families. The accumulation of rainfall has raised concerns not only about immediate flooding but also about potential long-term effects on the infrastructure and ecological balance in and around Natal.
With the rainy season typically expected to bring a certain amount of precipitation, this sudden spike in rainfall challenges local authorities and services. Preparations for further rainfall are vital, as the region must cope not only with the effects of this severe weather event but also work towards improving resilience to future climate volatility and urban flooding incidents. This event highlights the importance of effective urban planning and infrastructure investment in dealing with extreme weather events.