Neighborhood of Contagem (MG) floods for the 2nd time in a week: ‘rain took donations’

A heavy rain that hit Contagem on Tuesday afternoon (26) it flooded dozens of houses in the Vila Samag neighborhood, the one hardest hit by the storm. At the site, the water reached two meters high.

According to residents, this is not the first time the neighborhood has suffered from flooding. At dawn of last Wednesday (20), the neighborhood also suffered flooding. The population says that the water tends to rise quickly, which means that those affected do not have time to save their belongings.

“Many residents end up losing mattresses, a lot because of what has been happening. Water runs down from all the streets straight into the village. Then it ends up damaging motorcycles and cars. It’s not new that we’re trying to solve this problem. The donations they made, whether they wanted it or not, the rain took it all away again”, said one of the residents interviewed by Itatiaia.

One of those affected, Sindalva Pereira, 57 years old, says she still counts the damage caused by the rain.

“It got all the food wet. I had to throw a lot of stuff away. The wardrobe dropped the board and got my clothes wet. He wet the mattress too. It’s sad, but what can I do? I work here, I need to stay here”, he vented

The nursing technician, Silvani Santos, aged 47, also had her house flooded once again. “[Alagou] all over again. We haven’t even been able to start the car yet, because we lost the car the other time. This time, we almost lost again. Now it filled up again in a second. There’s no time to do anything. Just getting really desperate,” he reports.

The reporter contacted the Municipality and Civil Defense of Contagem, and is awaiting a response.

Rain warning

On Tuesday afternoon (26), Civil Defense issued a new heavy rain alert for Contagem. The forecast indicates rain of up to 30 millimeters, with gusts of wind and the risk of landslides. The Alert is valid for the next two days.

Recommendations during the rain

Redouble your attention! Avoid flooded areas and do not travel on streets subject to flooding or near streams and rivers during heavy rain;
Do not cross flooded streets or let children play in floodwaters or near streams;
Do not take shelter or park vehicles under trees;
Pay special attention to slopes and hills;
If you notice cracks in the walls of houses or the appearance of cracks, depressions or water mines on the ground, notify Civil Defense immediately;
In case of lightning, do not remain in open areas or use electrical equipment.