The state of Rio de Janeiro has experienced its rainiest February in nearly 30 years, with notable impacts on communities, particularly in the Jardim Maravilha area of the West Zone. Heavy rains on Thursday caused significant flooding, resulting in water reaching windows and damaging residents' belongings, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of the region to severe weather conditions. Local residents, such as Pablo, expressed their frustration with repeated flooding incidents, describing how the water rose dramatically within short periods, making daily life increasingly challenging.

Renato de Souza Belo, a construction worker, reflected on the persistent issue of flooding in the area, which has remained unchanged for over four decades. Despite numerous promises for infrastructural improvements, residents feel neglected, as adequate measures to alleviate flooding have yet to be implemented. The current weather events are particularly striking compared to the previous year, emphasizing the unusual intensity and frequency of rainfall that communities are facing.

According to the National Meteorological Institute (Inmet), this February's rainfall levels were unprecedented since records began almost three decades ago, underscoring a troubling trend of intensifying weather patterns. As the capital that received the most rain this month, Rio de Janeiro’s situation serves as a warning regarding climate-related pressures and stresses the necessity for enhanced urban planning and disaster preparedness to protect vulnerable areas from future flooding events.