Ash Wednesday began with rain in 120 cities across Ceará, Brazil, particularly impacting the capital, Fortaleza, where significant flooding was reported.
On Ash Wednesday, Ceará experienced heavy rainfall across 120 cities, with the municipality of Choró recording the highest precipitation of 90.2 millimeters according to the Fundação Cearense de Meteorologia (Funceme). The capital city, Fortaleza, also faced substantial rainfall, leading to reports of flooding in various neighborhoods. The Caça e Pesca station in Fortaleza recorded a total of 52 millimeters of rain, causing havoc in local communities.
Residents of Fortaleza shared their accounts of flooding in several neighborhoods, particularly in Granja Lisboa and Carlito Pamplona, where stagnant water accumulation and localized flooding have been recurring issues for over 40 years during heavy rain events. In Granja Lisboa, water pooled at a street corner, while in Carlito Pamplona, flooding points were noted, indicating significant infrastructural challenges during such weather conditions.
As the rains continue on Ash Wednesday, the situation raises concerns about the impact on local infrastructure and emergency services, especially considering the historical context of flooding in some neighborhoods. The government's response to such weather-related challenges will likely be scrutinized as officials assess the damages, aid required, and long-term solutions to better manage rainwater and flooding risks in the region.
