7 dead as extreme rainfall causes flooding and landslides in Pernambuco, Brazil

Heavy rainfall exceeding 300 mm (11.8 inches) caused severe flooding, landslides, and disruptions in northeastern Brazil on February 6. The state of Pernambuco has been the worst affected, with 7 confirmed deaths, including 5 in the capital, Recife, and 2 in nearby cities.

The torrential rain has caused damage, submerging homes and vehicles, toppling trees, and triggering landslides. Several municipalities in Pernambuco experienced water supply issues, with 18 cities affected, according to the Pernambuco Sanitation Company (Compesa).

In Recife, flooding has disrupted traffic and prompted authorities to advise residents to stay indoors. The Brazilian Urban Train Company (CBTU) suspended operations on the Recife Metro’s Centro Line which serves approximately 150 000 commuters daily.

An 18-year-old man died from electrocution in a flooded area in Recife’s Jardim São Paulo neighborhood, becoming the latest casualty of the extreme weather. A landslide in the city also killed a 55-year-old mother and her 23-year-old daughter as confirmed by Recife’s municipal government.

Data from the National Disaster Monitoring Center (Cemaden) shows that Abreu e Lima received 325 mm (12.8 inches), Goiana 284 mm (11.2 inches), Igarassu 271 mm (10.7 inches), Paulista 270 mm (10.6 inches), Itapissuma 268 mm (10.5 inches), Olinda 261 mm (10.3 inches), Recife 243 mm (9.6 inches), and Jaboatão dos Guararapes 212 mm (8.3 inches).

Over 48 hours, Pernambuco’s rainfall included 233 mm (9.2 inches) in Abreu e Lima, 177 mm (7 inches) in Paulista, 157 mm (6.2 inches) in Camaragibe, 157 mm (6.2 inches) in Jaboatão dos Guararapes, and 148 mm (5.8 inches) in Recife.

Rio Grande do Norte recorded 50 mm (2 inches) of rain within 12 hours in Natal, leading to flooding and road blockages.

In the neighboring state of Paraíba, heavy rain over the past three days led to a landslide along the urban train tracks in Greater João Pessoa, causing partial service interruptions. In the state capital, João Pessoa, fallen trees and storm-related damage were reported.

The extreme rainfall is linked to an Upper-Level Cyclonic Vortex, a meteorological system that forms between 10 and 15 km (6.2 to 9.3 miles) in altitude. The system, typical in summer and autumn, creates wind divergence at high altitudes, which enhances the lifting of warm, moisture-laden air, resulting in heavy cloud formation and persistent downpours.

Cemaden data from February 5 recorded substantial rainfall in multiple regions, with Barra do São Miguel and Maceió in Alagoas receiving 108 mm (4.3 inches) and 84 mm (3.3 inches), respectively.

In Maceió, intense rainfall swept away a cyclist, who was later found trapped under a car.

João Pessoa in Paraíba experienced severe traffic disruptions, with flooded streets and malfunctioning traffic lights affecting several neighborhoods.

References:

¹ Rain causes flooding, suspends classes and stops transport in capitals of the northeast – METSUL – February 5, 2025

² Extreme rainfall of over 300 mm leaves seven dead in the northeast region – METSUL – February 6, 2025

Rishika Yadav

Rishika holds a Master’s in International Studies from Stella Maris College, Chennai, India, where she earned a gold medal, and an MCA from the University of Mysore, Karnataka, India. Previously, she served as a Research Assistant at the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India. During her tenure, she contributed as a Junior Writer for Europe Monitor on the Global Politics website and as an Assistant Editor for The World This Week. Her work has also been published in The Hindu newspaper, showing her expertise in global affairs. Rishika is also a recipient of the Women Empowerment Award at the district level in Haryana, India, in 2022.

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