The municipality of Ribeira do Amparo, located 270 km from Salvador, Brazil, has delayed the start of its school year due to intense rainfall affecting the area since last Friday, February 20. The local government announced the postponement on Saturday, February 21, after registering 45 mm of rain, with significant rainfall causing flooding and affecting local agriculture. Initially planned for a return on Monday, February 22, classes will now commence on March 2 in order to ensure the safety of students and staff, as well as to assess the structural conditions of school buildings and access roads.

The local government emphasized the importance of safety in their decision-making process, highlighting the substantial rainfall experienced in the prior days. Reports indicate that on the previous Friday alone, over 100 mm of rain fell, resulting in flooded streets and significant damage to local agricultural areas, including submerged melon crops. Videos from residents portray the extent of the flooding, underlining the impact of the weather conditions on everyday life in the town.

This situation not only disrupts the educational calendar but also raises concerns regarding infrastructure and community resilience in the face of climate-related incidents. The municipality is prioritizing the evaluation of conditions to ensure that proper safety measures are taken ahead of the school year's start, reflecting a proactive approach in dealing with natural events that increasingly challenge local communities in Brazil.