Angra dos Reis, Brazil, is grappling with severe weather conditions that have led to the displacement of at least 115 residents following heavy rainfall that began on the night of April 4 and continued into the early hours of April 5, 2025. The torrential downpour has caused the Japuíba and Caputera rivers to overflow, resulting in significant flooding across various neighborhoods.
According to the Civil Defense, the accumulated rainfall reached a staggering 270 millimeters over the past 48 hours, with reports indicating that 171 millimeters fell within a single 24-hour period. This extreme weather has prompted the local government to open 30 support points to assist those forced from their homes, providing shelter and essential supplies.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries despite the chaos caused by landslides and flooding in areas such as Belém, Morro da Velha, Carioca, Praia do Machado, and Frade. Emergency sirens were activated in 37 neighborhoods, alerting residents to the potential dangers posed by the ongoing weather conditions. The Civil Defense's alert system was also engaged, sending messages to all mobile devices in Angra, including those of visitors.
Local authorities have reported that nine trees fell due to the heavy rains, causing damage to homes and blocking roads, further complicating the rescue and recovery efforts. In response to the situation, the Rio-Santos highway has been partially closed, with specific sections from kilometers 503 to 500 and 542 to 528 experiencing significant disruptions.
As the rain continues, the Civil Defense has mobilized engineering teams to assess the damage and conduct inspections in affected neighborhoods. Rescue operations are underway in Mambucaba, utilizing boats to reach those in need. The situation remains critical, with the Civil Defense urging residents in at-risk areas to seek shelter immediately.
In preparation for potential further emergencies, the city has stocked shelters with 300 mattresses, 200 personal hygiene kits, 200 cleaning kits, and 500 packages of water. The Secretary of Social Assistance has also deployed teams to manage shelters and distribute meals to those affected.
On April 4, the governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro, announced that the state government is closely monitoring the weather and has mobilized resources to ensure the safety of residents. "We are watching the forecast for strong rains this weekend and have mobilized the entire structure of the state government to protect lives," Castro stated on social media. The governor emphasized the importance of vigilance and prevention during this challenging time.
In light of the severe weather, the local government has decided to suspend classes and university transportation in response to the high risk of landslides in certain areas. Schools have been designated as temporary shelters, including Municipal Schools in neighborhoods like Areal, Parque Belém, and Banqueta.
The National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters (Cemaden) has placed Angra dos Reis on maximum alert for mass movements, indicating a significant risk of landslides and flooding. The alert extends to other municipalities, including Nova Friburgo, Petrópolis, and Paraty, which are also experiencing heavy rainfall.
The situation in Angra dos Reis is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of community preparedness in the face of natural disasters. As local officials work tirelessly to manage the crisis, residents are urged to stay informed and heed warnings from authorities.
As of Saturday morning, emergency services remain on high alert, ready to respond to any further incidents as the weather conditions evolve. The community is coming together to support one another during this difficult time, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity.
While the rain is expected to continue, the hope is that the worst is over, and recovery efforts can begin in earnest. The city of Angra dos Reis will continue to monitor the situation closely, ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents as they navigate this challenging period.
