Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Angra dos Reis, a picturesque city located in the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro, displacing at least 346 residents and prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency. On Saturday, April 5, 2025, the city experienced a staggering 324 millimeters of rainfall within just 24 hours, far exceeding the monthly average of 170 millimeters. The torrential downpour led to severe flooding, landslides, and overflowing rivers, causing significant damage across the municipality.
The situation has been dire, particularly in the Parque Mambucaba neighborhood, where local residents witnessed cows being swept away by the swift currents that transformed their streets into rivers. Elizangela Gomes, a resident of the area, shared her harrowing experience: “The tide rose, the river overflowed, and the water took over the streets of our neighborhood. It started around six in the morning and rose very quickly, resulting in this situation.” Her family, living in a two-story house, had to retreat to the upper floor as the water reached the height of the staircase. Tragically, they also reported the loss of their chickens due to the flooding.
As the emergency unfolded, city officials activated alert sirens in 46 neighborhoods to warn residents of the impending danger. The local government opened 36 support points, including four shelters, to provide assistance to those affected. Non-emergency health services were suspended as a precautionary measure to focus resources on immediate relief efforts.
Governor Cláudio Castro addressed the media, emphasizing the widespread impact of the heavy rains throughout the state of Rio de Janeiro. He noted that out of 470 monitored locations, only 100 had not experienced precipitation, highlighting the severity of the weather conditions. “We continue to be in a state of total attention and ask the population of Rio de Janeiro to remain vigilant, respecting the sirens and the warnings from municipal and state civil defenses,” he stated.
In addition to Angra dos Reis, other municipalities in the state have also felt the effects of the relentless rains. In Teresópolis, eight individuals were displaced, while in Petrópolis, 60 individuals sought refuge at support points. Reports of landslides and collapses, fortunately without casualties, have emerged from the capital and Belford Roxo. Federal highways, including BR-101 (Rio-Santos), BR-040 (Washington Luís), and BR-116 (Rio-Teresópolis), were temporarily closed due to the adverse weather, although some sections have since reopened.
Looking ahead, the Civil Defense has warned that the risk of further rainfall remains, and the saturated ground continues to pose a threat of landslides. As the emergency response efforts continue, officials are urging residents to stay alert and heed all warnings. The governor reiterated the importance of preparedness, noting that “these climatic events are becoming increasingly severe.”
In neighboring São Paulo, the effects of the heavy rains have also been felt, particularly in Bertioga, where over 400 millimeters of rain fell. In Ubatuba, several neighborhoods are flooded, with at least 12 people displaced in Taquaral. The nearby municipality of São Sebastião is on high alert, with reports of fallen trees disrupting travel between popular beach destinations.
As the situation develops, local authorities are working tirelessly to support those affected by the flooding and to mitigate further risks. The community's resilience is being tested, but the swift response from emergency services and local government aims to provide relief and restore normalcy as soon as possible.
