A heavy rainstorm in the Ilha do Governador neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro led to significant flooding, affecting streets near the beach, and resulting in emergency rescues.
On Thursday night, February 19, a severe thunderstorm struck the Ilha do Governador neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro's North Zone, causing extensive flooding. The rain, which was measured at 49.2 mm within just two hours, led to waterlogged streets even near the beachfront area. This sudden downpour prompted alerts and warnings from the Alerta Rio system, as the region recorded the highest rainfall in the city for that day.
Historically, the Ilha do Governador area averages around 116.2 mm of rainfall for the month of February, according to data spanning from 1997 to 2025. In stark contrast, the region only saw an average of 15.8 mm of precipitation from February 1 to 20, showcasing an unusual and sudden spike in rainfall. Emergency services were quick to respond to the weather-related incidents that ensued, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Around 9 p.m., firefighters were called to the Rio Jequiá road where they rescued a 60-year-old man who had become trapped in floodwaters and suffered a medical emergency. He was transported in critical condition to the Hospital Municipal Evandro Freire. Other areas in the North Zone, such as Saúde, Alto da Boa Vista, and São Cristóvão, also reported varying levels of rainfall during the same period, adding to the challenges faced by local emergency responders.
