Rain causes flooding and invades businesses in Governador Valadares

The rain that hit Governador Valadares, in the east of Minas, during the night of Sunday (8) and the early hours of this Monday (9) caused flooding in different parts of the city. The meteorological station at the Federal Institute of Minas Gerais (IFMG) recorded 45.4 millimeters of precipitation.

Among the affected locations are the Avenida Minas Gerais, which connects the Center to the region of the Grã-Duquesa and Nossa Senhora das Graças neighborhoods, and Rua Bárbara Heliodora, in the Center, in front of a bus stop and close to the corner with Rua Arthur Bernardes.

The most intense volume was recorded around 11pm on Sunday, when the station recorded 19.8 millimeters. At midnight, it was another 17 millimeters.

On Rua Israel Pinheiro, a snack bar was invaded by water while there were customers in the establishment. In the Lagoa Santa neighborhood, the drainage system on Rua das Gaivotas could not withstand the volume of rain.

To prevent water from invading stores and restaurants, traders took to the streets and unblocked storm drains. The measure sought to free up the passage of water and reduce the impacts of flooding on establishments.

In the Santa Efigênia neighborhood, residents watched the rapid rise in the level of the Figueirinha stream. Images recorded during the rain showed an increase in the volume of water, which left the population concerned about the possibility of overflowing. Despite the concern, the stream did not overflow.

The problem was also recorded in Jardim Pérola, where Francisco de Paula Freitas and Agripino Ribeiro dos Santos streets were flooded.

Governador Valadares and Teófilo Otoni are among the cities covered by the yellow warning of potential danger for intense rain issued by the National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet). The warning began at 9:27 am this Monday (9) and continues until 11:59 pm.

The forecast is for rain of between 20 and 30 millimeters per hour, or up to 50 millimeters throughout the day, in addition to intense winds of 40 to 60 km/h and the possibility of hail.

According to Inmet, there is a low risk of electricity cuts, damage to crops, falling tree branches and flooding.

The institute recommends that the population avoid taking shelter under trees during gusts of wind, not park vehicles near transmission towers and advertising signs and avoid using electronic devices plugged in during storms.