Brazil: Disruptions due to flooding and landslides ongoing across parts Rio de Janeiro State as of Feb. 23

Disruptions due to flooding and landslides are ongoing across parts of Rio de Janeiro State as of Feb. 23. Heavy rainfall has been impacting parts of the state, including the Rio De Janeiro metropolitan area, since late Feb. 21. The worst affected areas are to the north of the state capital, including the municipalities of Barra do Pirai, Japeri, Mendes and Nova Iguacu. Authorities have reported at least eight weather-related fatalities as of early Feb. 23; four people were killed by landslides in Barra do Pirai, two in separate landslides in Japeri, and two more in unconfirmed circumstances in Nova Iguacu. One person is missing in Mendes Municipality. Hundreds of homes have been damaged and more than 600 people displaced across the affected areas. Many roads have been closed in the region, including sections of the RJ-127, RJ-155, RJ-135, RJ-141, RJ-143, and RJ-145.

Further adverse weather is forecast in the region over the coming days and the National Institute of Meteorology is maintaining orange and yellow heavy rainfall warnings (the middle and lowest level on a three-tier scale) across Rio de Janeiro State as of early Feb. 23. Further isolated showers are forecast across Rio de Janeiro through at least Feb. 25. Authorities have warned that the risk of further flooding and landslides remains high in Barra do Pirai, Belford Roxo, Engenheiro Paulo de Frontin, Japeri, Mendes, Nova Iguavu, Paracambi, Porto Real, and Queimados municipalities.

Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites located downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are possible where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas with heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying and riverine areas.

Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.