Natal Residents Block Roads After Flooding Crisis

Residents of the Nossa Senhora da Apresentação neighborhood in Natal's Zona Norte took to the streets on Tuesday morning, blocking traffic and burning tires in protest. The demonstration was triggered by the overflow of the Jardim Primavera lagoon, which sent water rushing into local homes.

While heavy rainfall is often a contributing factor, the community argues that a pre-existing infrastructure failure is the primary culprit. A massive crater that opened on Rua José Luiz da Silva in August 2025 has severely compromised the area's drainage capabilities, leaving residents in a constant state of vulnerability.

The protest began in the morning hours, with demonstrators specifically targeting Avenida Boa Sorte. By blocking the thoroughfare and igniting tires, residents aimed to draw urgent attention to the water levels rising in their living spaces. The scene was one of frustration and desperation as the community sought to halt the daily disruption caused by the rising waters.

According to local reports, the Jardim Primavera lagoon has been unable to drain properly due to the structural damage in the area. Residents note that the lagoon remains perpetually full, meaning even minimal rainfall is enough to cause it to overflow. The situation was compounded by recent weather patterns, with the capital recording 24 millimeters of rain in the preceding 24-hour period.

The key factors driving the current emergency include:

• The overflow of the Jardim Primavera lagoon
• A massive crater on Rua José Luiz da Silva
• Compromised drainage tubulation
• Recent rainfall accumulation of 24mm

At the heart of the flooding issue is a crater that formed in August 2025 following the rupture of drainage system pipes. This geological and structural failure has effectively blocked the natural flow of water from the lagoon to other parts of the city. Without a functioning drainage path, water accumulates rapidly, turning the lagoon into a source of flooding rather than a method of water management.

The community has long warned that the area is a floodplain waiting to happen. The inability of the water to escape means that every rain event results in the same cycle of inundation. The infrastructure failure has turned a manageable water system into a chronic hazard for the residents of the Zona Norte.

Because of the problem, the lagoon continues always full of water and it only takes a small rain to fall for the reservoir to overflow.

In response to the escalating situation, the municipal administration has outlined a plan to address the infrastructure deficit. Shirley Cavalcanti, the Municipal Secretary of Infrastructure, appeared on the Bom Dia da Inter program to discuss the timeline and financial scope of the proposed repairs.

The estimated cost for the necessary work is substantial. Secretary Cavalcanti confirmed that the project has been budgeted at over R$1 million. To secure these funds, the municipality is currently developing a specific project aimed at obtaining the necessary resources from the federal government in Brasília.

The timeline for these critical repairs is aggressive. The Secretary stated that the administration is targeting a completion date of April for the works intended to resolve the drainage blockage and stabilize the area.

For the residents of Nossa Senhora da Apresentação, the flooding is not a theoretical risk but a daily reality. The water intrusion into homes destroys personal property, creates health hazards, and disrupts the basic rhythm of life. The decision to block a major avenue highlights the severity of their distress and the lack of immediate alternatives.

The protest serves as a physical manifestation of the community's resilience and their demand for accountability. As the city looks toward April for a solution, the residents must endure the interim period where the Jardim Primavera lagoon remains a constant threat. The situation underscores the urgent need for infrastructure maintenance and rapid response in urban planning.

The events on Avenida Boa Sorte signal a critical juncture for Natal's municipal infrastructure. While the city has committed to a timeline and a budget, the success of these plans hinges on the timely release of federal funds and the efficient execution of the repair work.

Residents and observers will be watching closely as the city attempts to stabilize the drainage system and fill the crater that has plagued the Zona Norte. The coming months will determine whether the promised R$1 million investment can finally bring relief to a community that has been living in the shadow of a lagoon that refuses to drain.