Severe flooding hits Belo Horizonte as more than a month’s worth of rain falls in 72 hours, Brazil

Torrential rains lashed Belo Horizonte in Brazil over the weekend, causing damaging floods that prompted the Civil Defense to issue alerts for the West, Pampulha, and Venda Nova regions on Sunday, February 7, 2021. In the south-central, about 234.6 mm (9.2 inches) of rain fell in a 72 hour period, which exceeded the February average of 181.4 mm (7.1 inches).

Persistent heavy rains caused severe flooding in Belo Horizonte, affecting many houses and buildings. Locals said as streams overflowed, floodwaters dragged away vehicles on roads. 

The Civil Defense issued flood alerts for the West, Pampulha, and Venda Nova regions on Sunday afternoon. Avenida Vilarinho in Venda Nova was flooded twice on the said day, first in the morning and then in the afternoon.

In the Vila Suzana I neighborhood, at least 47 people were stranded and rescued by firefighters, including families. In Santa Luzia, Rio das Velhas overflowed, forcing about 300 people to flee their homes.

In the south-central region alone, around 234.6 mm (9.2 inches) of rain fell in 72 hours, which surpassed the February average of 181.4 mm (7.1 inches), according to Inmet.

The Civil Defense reported that 301 people were left without homes in the state due to the severe weather. Another 2 849 had to evacuate due to the risk of collapse.

A geological risk alert has also been issued for Belo Horizonte, which is in force until Tuesday, February 9.

Julie Celestial

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