On Thursday afternoon, a severe storm struck Rio das Ostras, a coastal city in the state of Rio de Janeiro, resulting in significant flooding across various parts of the city. Reports and videos shared on social media highlight the alarming situation at the Maria da Penha de Oliveira Municipal School in the Palmital neighborhood, where children were seen taking shelter on tables as water levels rose dramatically. One particular video shows a woman wading through knee-deep water, underscoring the severity of the flooding and safety concerns within the affected areas.

In response to the dangerous conditions, the local government announced a suspension of classes for Friday, indicating that the measure was taken to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and the broader school community. The heavy rainfall recorded by the Civil Defense of Rio das Ostras measured an astonishing 140 millimeters in just one hour, leading to the need for evacuation of at least three schools due to the extensive flooding. This situation not only raises immediate concerns for the safety of children but also reflects broader issues related to urban infrastructure and emergency preparedness in flood-prone areas.

As the community grapples with the aftermath of this natural event, the implications of such severe weather on public services and education will be closely monitored. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change due to weather-related disasters, prompting discussions on the need for improved drainage systems and disaster readiness in Rio de Janeiro's coastal cities. People are now looking towards the municipal government's actions in addressing the infrastructural challenges that exacerbate flood risks during such storms.