Torrential rainfall turns streets into rivers in northeastern Brazil

Firefighters rescued residents in a Brazilian city after floodwaters filled the streets during the latter half of the weekend.

A small storm fueled by tropical moisture brought a deluge of rain to Caruaru, Brazil, on Sunday.

According to the Pernambuco Water and Climate Agency, almost 80 mm (3.15 inches) of rain fell in just six hours in Caruaru, located in the northeastern part of the country, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency.

The amount of rainfall in such a short time period flooded streets and turned channels running through the city into angry rivers.

Firefighters were called neighborhoods across the city to rescue residents trapped in their homes by floodwaters.

While some risked driving through high water in the city, traffic ground to a halt on BR-104 where roads became impassable.

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Officials announced that cleanup efforts were already underway, and Mayor Raquel Lyra visited areas hit hard by the heavy rain and assured assistance to those who needed it.

It is not uncommon for eastern areas of the state of Pernambuco to receive heavy rainfall during this time of year. Onshore winds help to carry in moisture and produce showers and thunderstorms across the region.

Occasional showers and storms are forecast to return to northeastern Brazil in the coming days as recovery efforts continue in Caruaru. However, the heaviest storms look to remain farther north.

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