On Sunday, April 6, 2025, the federal government officially recognized a state of emergency in Petrópolis, a city located in the mountainous region of Rio de Janeiro, due to the severe rains that battered the state from Friday, April 4, through Sunday. This declaration, confirmed by the Ministry of Integration and Regional Development, allows the city to access federal resources for disaster response and recovery efforts.
Earlier, the National Civil Defense had already issued a similar emergency declaration for Angra dos Reis, a coastal municipality that also faced significant rainfall. With both cities now recognized as being in a state of emergency, they are eligible to request federal funds for crucial civil defense actions. These include the purchase of essential supplies like food baskets, drinking water, hygiene kits, and meals for emergency workers and volunteers.
Since the onset of the severe weather, the Fire Department of Rio de Janeiro has conducted rescues for at least 80 individuals affected by the floods and landslides that ensued. Fortunately, as of Sunday afternoon, there were no reports of serious injuries or fatalities linked to the extreme weather conditions.
As of 7 PM on Sunday, a total of 523 people were reported displaced across the state, with 48 individuals seeking refuge in public shelters. Angra dos Reis has been particularly hard hit, with over 300 residents initially forced to evacuate their homes. However, by late Sunday evening, this number had decreased to 174, according to local authorities.
In Petrópolis, the rains triggered landslides and flooding, leading to power outages affecting more than 3,300 residents. The city's infrastructure faced significant challenges, with several streets closed due to the adverse weather conditions. Notably, certain areas received rainfall amounts more than three times the expected monthly total. For example, in the locality of São Sebastião, a staggering 301 mm of rain was recorded within just 24 hours on Saturday, April 5, which is 50% more than the anticipated 200 mm for the entire month.
According to the State Civil Defense, the Fire Department responded to 522 incidents related to the heavy rains by Sunday evening. These incidents included not only human rescues but also the saving of 150 animals, as well as assistance during 37 flooding events and 18 landslides.
The torrential rains inflicted considerable strain on the region's infrastructure. In the wake of the storms, the historic center of Petrópolis experienced significant flooding, prompting the activation of Civil Defense sirens to alert residents of the impending dangers. The situation remains precarious, as the National Center for Monitoring and Alerting Natural Disasters (Cemaden) has warned of a very high risk of landslides in both Angra dos Reis and Petrópolis, as well as high risks in surrounding areas such as Duque de Caxias and Teresópolis.
As the region continues to grapple with the aftermath of the heavy rains, the local government has emphasized the need for federal assistance to restore normalcy. Mayor Hingo Hammes of Petrópolis stated that resources from the federal government will be essential for the city's recovery efforts.
Classes in the municipal school system were scheduled to resume on Monday, April 7, 2025, despite the ongoing challenges. The Civil Defense has urged residents to avoid traveling in flooded areas and to heed warnings regarding the dangers of returning to evacuated zones.
In addition to the immediate impacts of the rainfall, the cumulative effects have raised concerns about future geological risks. Cemaden's bulletin indicated that the risk of landslides remains extremely high, with particular caution advised for residents in high-risk zones.
The rainfall totals reported on Saturday were staggering, with Angra dos Reis recording 297.9 mm, Petrópolis at 290.5 mm, and Teresópolis at 222.6 mm. These figures underscore the severity of the weather events that have unfolded over the weekend, prompting a coordinated response from local and state authorities.
As the situation continues to develop, residents are being closely monitored for any further risks posed by the weather. The Civil Defense and local officials are on high alert, prepared to respond to any additional emergencies that may arise from the ongoing weather patterns.
In summary, the heavy rains that have impacted Petrópolis and Angra dos Reis have led to significant displacement, infrastructure challenges, and a heightened risk of natural disasters. Local officials are working diligently to manage the crisis while seeking federal support to aid in recovery efforts. As the region looks to move forward, the community's resilience and the effectiveness of disaster response will be crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by these severe weather events.
