An intense storm hit Olímpia, São Paulo, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, causing significant flooding at the renowned Thermas dos Laranjais water park and surrounding areas. The local government reported over 130 millimeters of rain falling within mere hours, leading to torrential conditions and substantial damage across the city.
Images from the park revealed devastating scenes — submerged cars, overturned tables, and swirling floodwaters consuming the attractions. The water park, one of the main tourist spots of Olímpia, was compelled to close its doors on Sunday, December 22, for damage evaluation and safety precautions for visitors and staff alike. "O Thermas retomará suas atividades nesta segunda-feira, 23 de dezembro de 2024," assured park management, as they began efforts to restore normalcy.
The rain's ferocity brought chaos not only to the park but also across several streets. The Civil Defense agency noted incidents of flooding and damage at various points, including the intersection of Waldemar Lopes Ferraz with Mario Vieira Marcondes and on Avenida Forti Neves, where the floodwaters rendered roads impassable. According to the Civil Defense, "A Defesa Civil ressalta que, apesar dos transtornos, não houve outro registro de pessoa ferida, desalojadas ou desabrigadas," indicating no serious injuries or displacements were reported, thankfully.
On the ground, the park's staff worked diligently as the floodwaters receded, but not before they disrupted significant operations. Photographs circulating on social media depicted muddy water invading pools and slides, creating cleanup challenges for the team. Reports confirmed the rapid encroachment of the stormwater transformed beautiful leisure spaces practically overnight. Local residents could see debris including overturned furniture washing away, as muddy currents overwhelmed the recreational facilities.
The storm's impact hit harder as local safety officials engaged with the community to assess the aftermath. Residents and tourists traveled throughout the affected areas, with visual reports showing inundated properties. An elderly local, stranded during the floods, required rescue by the Civil Defense but was provided shelter by family until conditions improved.
Besides the flooding, notable community damage included at least ten downed trees, adding to the chaos. The city was placed on high alert, as the rainstorm affected not only tourist activities but everyday life for many residents. Public works crews mobilized to address flooded lanes, fallen trees, and debris cleanup swiftly.
Despite the extensive damage and inconvenience, the community and local authorities are resilient and hopeful for recovery. The city's emergency services, including the police and fire department, were on standby throughout the efforts to stabilize the area.
To communicate clearly with parkgoers, officials announced changes to ticketing and access, with those holding tickets for December 22 allowed to reschedule or refund through various service channels. Clarity was emphasized on the need to check official communication platforms for updates.
While it was reported by the Prefeitura de Olímpia, "Em poucas horas, o volume pluviométrico registrado chegou a mais de 130 milímetros, caracterizando situação de chuva torrencial," the emphasis remains on the immediate action required to restore the park safely.
With weather conditions altering frequently, both tourists and locals remain vigilant, taking note of area safety data provided by the Civil Defense as the situation evolves. The experience has become both a lesson on nature's unpredictability and the necessary preparations local entities must have on hand for future weather events.
Olímpia’s community, marked by both its devastation and ability to come together during crises, showcases the importance of proactive and responsive measures. With plans for the park’s reopening and constant recovery efforts underway, residents draw on their strength through resilient relations forged amid natural adversity.
