Rains in Sergipe: flooding, river overflow and walls washed away | Sergipe

According to the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet), in the East, Agreste and Sertão, rainfall can reach up to 100 millimeters per day, and winds can reach 50 kilometers per hour. Civil Defense can be contacted by calling 199 and the Fire Department can be contacted on 193.

In the municipality of Maruim, the Ganhamoroba River overflowed its banks and reached several communities. The city hall will hold an emergency meeting this Tuesday (7) to put the contingency plan into action. State Civil Defense teams were sent to the scene.

In Aracaju, flooding affected several streets and avenues, causing traffic disruption, especially in neighborhoods in the South Zone, such as Jardins, where the State Public Defender’s Office is located, which suspended service this Tuesday morning.

According to the municipal Civil Defense, an accumulated volume of 120 millimeters of rain was recorded by the beginning of the night. 34 calls were recorded, including 21 flooding situations, 4 partial structural collapses, 6 collapse risk assessments, 1 tree fall assessment and 2 landslide risk assessments.

The historical average for the entire month of May is 275 millimeters. Last year, the accumulated amount was approximately 500 mm in the period. In 2024, so far, the capital’s rain gauges have already exceeded 186 mm.

In Neópolis, the drainage network could not handle the volume of water on Monday night and water invaded houses. Walls of at least five residences were washed away. Municipal Civil Defense is in the region assessing structural risks.

In the Guajará neighborhood, in Nossa Senhora do Socorro, houses were flooded during the early hours of the morning. This morning, homes were covered in mud, according to residents.

Regions of Palmares, Santa Cecília, Parque dos Faróis, Taiçoca de Fora and Fernando Collor also recorded occurrences. According to the city hall, the municipal Civil Defense is carrying out inspections.

The volume of rain raised the level of the Rio Comprido, in São Cristóvão, and led to the suspension of water supply in areas supplied by the Autonomous Water and Sewage Service (Saae). The institution informed that, as soon as the level drops, supply will resume.

According to Civil Defense, the municipality recorded approximately 71mm in 4 hours, which resulted in flooding and trees falling into the power grid. Municipal teams are monitoring the situation. There were no records of serious cases.

Part of the bridge over the Jacaré River collapsed on the SE–220 highway, in Muribeca. According to the municipal manager, Mário de Sandra, there is no risk of falling and traffic is authorized. The volume of water damaged a drainage structure located in an area before the bridge. There is signage placed on site by the company that will carry out the repair services.

In case of flooding, landslides and river overflows, Inmet recommends:

• avoid facing bad weather;
• observe changes in the slopes;
• if possible, turn off electrical appliances and the general power supply;
• In case of flooding, or similar, protect belongings from the water in plastic bags.

Rains cause flooding, river overflows and washed-out walls