Storm leaves 400 homeless and triggers sirens in Angra dos Reis (RJ)
A heavy storm in Angra dos Reis, Brazil, has left 392 people homeless and triggered evacuation alerts across numerous neighborhoods due to excessive rainfall.
A powerful storm hit Angra dos Reis in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, resulting in the displacement of 392 individuals. The region experienced more than 200 millimeters of rainfall in just six hours, significantly surpassing the anticipated monthly average for February, which is expected to be 240 millimeters. The hardest-hit areas include the neighborhoods of Areal and Centro, where record precipitation was observed, triggering a response from local authorities.
In response to the severe weather, the Civil Defense has reported that in the last week alone, accumulated rainfall reached a staggering 644 millimeters. Between Thursday night and early Friday, predictive evacuation messages were dispatched to 33 neighborhoods, and alarm sirens were activated 20 times to alert residents of the dangers posed by the flooding. This situation highlights the challenges faced by the community in terms of emergency preparedness in the face of recurring extreme weather events.
Additionally, critical infrastructure has been impacted, with the RJ-155 highway, which connects the Dutra highway to the Rio-Santos highway, being closed due to a fallen utility pole on the roadway. The ongoing response efforts by the Civil Defense and local authorities are vital to ensure the safety and support for the affected populations as they navigate the aftermath of the flooding.