Rivers rise up to 8 meters displacing over 3,000 people in Rio de Janeiro

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Heavy rains affecting the northwest of Rio de Janeiro state since last Friday, February 19th, caused three rivers to swell up to 8 meters and left over 3,000 people displaced. The cities are now trying to clear properties and streets and shelter residents who have lost their homes.

The most affected municipalities were Bom Jesus do Itabapoana (330 km from the capital) and Porciúncula (350 km), according to the state government. In the first, 53 people have been displaced, staying with relatives or friends, and 13 families are homeless, living in two shelters temporarily set up in municipal schools.

The latter had 80% of its territory affected by the flooding of the Carangola river. According to the city hall, the city “has experienced the worst moments of its history in the past few days, with the worst flood of all times.” It estimates that 8,500 people have been affected, with 126 people homeless and 3,100 displaced.

The river exceeded the level of past years, reaching a maximum of 8.40 meters on Saturday night, February 20th, prompting the municipality to declare a state of emergency. Buildings such as the city hall, the city council and healthcare facilities were flooded.

The city set up four temporary shelters in schools and churches, which, according to the administration, are offering assistance, food, mattresses, sheets, pillows and masks to those in need, with the help of volunteers.

“On Monday afternoon, the floodwater had already left a large part of the streets, leaving mud, sludge, garbage and other debris in its place. The city hall team is in the streets, washing and clearing the garbage. The last measurement of the Carangola river, at 4 PM, marked 3.80 meters, below the warning level,” says the city hall.

In the case of Bom Jesus do Itabapoana, the Itabapoana river remained at 3.20 meters above the overflow level (2.10 meters), despite lowering. “The flow in the Rosal hydroelectric plant is also decreasing, which implies a downward trend, or at least stability in the river level,” says the municipality.

Residents of riverside or hillside areas are advised to keep their documents and personal belongings in a safe place, remove their furniture, and seek shelter with acquaintances or at support facilities. The emergency number for Bom Jesus is (22) 3831-1403/(22) 99943-0692, and for Porciúncula is (22) 3842-2900.

The state government said it has dployed teams from the Secretariats of Social Development, Health, Civil Defense, and the Fire Department in the region. According to CEMADEN (State Center for Monitoring and Warning of Natural Disasters), the river levels are dropping, but the rainfall levels are still on alert.

On Sunday, a state donation of about 1,200 liters of water, 200 basic food baskets and tank cars for families affected by the rise in the Carangola river level was announced, in partnership with the LBV (Rede Salvar de Voluntários).

Source: Noticias ao Minuto