Renato Aquino Rocha, a merchant in Montes Claros, Brazil, described his instinctual response to a dire situation when he witnessed two women being swept away by heavy floodwaters. This incident occurred on Tuesday, as rain caused significant flooding in various areas of the city, with the Civil Defense reporting a rainfall of 34.8 millimeters in just two hours. A video captured the moment of the rescue, which took place in the Vila Atlântida neighborhood.

During the rescue, Renato immediately jumped into action upon seeing the women, identified as Daniela de Jesus and Gabriela Gonçalves, struggling against the current. He managed to grab one of the women while his colleague rescued the other. They succeeded in bringing both women to safety before the situation could potentially become disastrous, as Renato noted that they were extremely weak from swallowing water and would likely have drowned if help hadn’t arrived.

This incident highlights the dangers posed by sudden flooding in urban areas, particularly during heavy rains. The quick thinking and bravery of Renato and his colleagues prevented a potential tragedy, emphasizing the importance of community vigilance and readiness to assist during emergencies. As flooding events become more frequent due to climate change, such acts of bravery and community solidarity are vital in ensuring the safety of residents.