Quick Summary
- 1Heavy rainfall across Rio de Janeiro state caused infrastructure damage including a UPA wall collapse in Duque de Caxias and eleven tree falls in the capital.
- 2Emergency services conducted an alligator rescue operation in Duque de Caxias while authorities maintain maximum flood alerts for multiple neighborhoods.
- 3The state faces continued weather instability through the week with potential rainfall reaching 400mm in northern regions, equivalent to an entire month's average.
- 4Marine authorities issued high surf warnings for coastal areas while civil defense urges residents to avoid flooded streets and monitor official meteorological bulletins.
Quick Summary
Intense rainfall has triggered widespread disruption across Rio de Janeiro state, affecting both the capital and surrounding metropolitan areas. The storm system has caused infrastructure damage, displaced residents, and prompted multiple emergency responses.
Authorities have declared maximum alert status in the hardest-hit areas while emergency services work around the clock to address flooding, fallen infrastructure, and unusual wildlife encounters. The weather pattern shows no immediate signs of relief, with continued precipitation expected throughout the week.
Infrastructure Impact
The storm's most dramatic structural failure occurred in Duque de Caxias, where the perimeter wall of the Parque Lafaiete UPA (Emergency Care Unit) collapsed. While the incident caused significant property damage, officials confirmed that no individuals were injured during the collapse.
The municipality has been declared at Stage 5 - Maximum Alert, with civil defense teams maintaining constant surveillance over severely flooded districts. Affected neighborhoods include:
- Pilar district - severe water accumulation
- São Bento area - continuous monitoring
- Saracuruna region - high-risk flooding
- Figueira neighborhood - emergency protocols active
- Jardim Primavera - sustained surveillance
Meanwhile, the state capital recorded eleven tree collapses and documented over sixty major water pools since the rainfall began. Two residents in Duque de Caxias were displaced from their homes and received immediate shelter assistance from municipal authorities.
Wildlife Rescue
Emergency responders faced an unusual challenge when an alligator appeared in the Jardim Leal neighborhood, prompting two separate rescue operations between Monday night and early Tuesday morning. Firefighters first responded at 10:30 PM on Monday to Rua Venâncio Adres, though the initial search proved unsuccessful.
The second call came at 2:30 AM Tuesday on nearby Rua Luís Leal, where crews successfully captured the reptile and returned it to the Sarapuí River. According to official incident reports, the operation concluded without incident.
Separate footage circulating on social media shows community members temporarily restraining a different alligator with a rope, pulling it through floodwaters and displaying the animal throughout the night.
This community-captured video demonstrates the extraordinary circumstances residents faced during the severe weather event, though it represents a separate incident from the official fire department rescue.
Coastal Warnings
Beyond inland flooding, the Brazilian Navy has issued an official surf advisory for Rio's coastal regions, warning of potentially dangerous conditions. The alert began Monday at 3:00 PM and remains active through Tuesday at 9:00 PM.
Marine authorities forecast wave heights reaching 2.5 meters (approximately 8.2 feet), creating hazardous conditions for beachgoers and coastal residents. The advisory specifically recommends:
- Avoiding ocean swimming entirely
- Canceling water sports activities
- Staying away from observation points
- Not cycling along coastal pathways
The Center for Operations and Resilience emphasizes that emergency marine situations require immediate contact with firefighters at 193. These coastal warnings compound the challenges facing the region as storm systems continue to affect both inland and shoreline communities.
Extended Forecast
According to Climatempo meteorological services, the unstable weather pattern will persist throughout the week. Tuesday will experience continuous rainfall with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 27°C, while Wednesday brings additional instability with overcast skies and potential drizzle during evening hours.
Thursday and Friday will offer brief respites with intermittent sunshine, though rapid rain showers remain possible both day and night. The most concerning development involves the formation of the second South Atlantic Convergence Zone (ZCAS) this month, which meteorologists identify as the primary driver of these extreme conditions.
Experts warn that northern and northwestern regions face the highest risk, with potential accumulation of 200mm to 400mm of precipitation within just five days. This volume equals the entire historical monthly average for January. The combination of this rainfall with already-saturated soil from previous storms significantly elevates landslide risk, particularly in vulnerable hillside communities and areas with steep topography.
Safety Protocols
Civil defense authorities have issued comprehensive guidance for residents navigating this emergency period. The Defesa Civil (Civil Defense) recommends continuous monitoring of official meteorological bulletins and immediate avoidance of all flooded areas.
Critical safety measures include never crossing inundated streets, seeking shelter under trees during storms, and remaining vigilant for warning signs such as ground cracks, leaning utility poles, or displaced trees. Residents should memorize these emergency contacts:
- 199 - Civil Defense
- 193 - Fire Department
As the storm system continues to affect Rio de Janeiro state, authorities stress that proactive awareness and adherence to official guidance remain the most effective tools for ensuring personal and community safety during this severe weather event.
Frequently Asked Questions
The wall of the UPA (Emergency Care Unit) in Parque Lafaiete collapsed in Duque de Caxias, though no injuries were reported. Additionally, at least eleven trees fell in the capital city and over sixty major water pools were documented, while two residents were displaced and required municipal shelter assistance.
Duque de Caxias remains at Stage 5 - Maximum Alert status. The municipalities of Pilar, São Bento, Saracuruna, Figueira, and Jardim Primavera are under constant monitoring for severe flooding conditions. The northern and northwestern regions of the state face the highest risk due to projected rainfall of 200-400mm.
Firefighters conducted two separate alligator rescue operations in the Jardim Leal neighborhood of Duque de Caxias. The first attempt at 10:30 PM failed to locate the animal, but a second operation at 2:30 AM successfully captured and returned the alligator to the Sarapuí River. Community members also captured separate alligator footage during the flooding.
The Brazilian Navy issued a surf advisory warning of waves up to 2.5 meters along Rio's coastline, active from Monday afternoon through Tuesday night. Authorities recommend avoiding ocean swimming, water sports, and coastal cycling, while emergency marine situations should be reported to firefighters at 193.
