Flash floods and landslides in the city of Recife, Northeast Brazil after heavy rain on May 25–28, 2022: Causes, impacts, and disaster preparedness

Abstract

From late May to early June 2022, 130 people died in catastrophic landslides and flash flood events triggered by exceptionally heavy rains in the states of Pernambuco, Alagoas, and Paraíba, along the coast of Northeast Brazil. Total rainfall in the city of Recife on May 25–30 was 551 mm, 140 mm higher than the average of the month of May. Rain was heaviest on May 25 and 28, with 100–200 mm and 151–250 mm, respectively. This coincided with easterly wave disturbances. May 28 saw the most rain, due to a significant cold front. Fourteen municipalities in the metropolitan region of Recife declared a state of emergency. According to the Civil Defense of Pernambuco state, the rain impacted 130,000 people there. Most of the heavy precipitation fell over areas with medium to very high geological vulnerability to landslides and extreme hydrological events. The loss of life and substantial economic impacts in Recife caused by the heavy precipitation of May 2022 and the disasters induced by it show that this city, like many others around the world, has limited capacity to cope with climate extremes. Urbanization has increased population density occupying hills and slopes of the city, contributing to the problem. To reduce the impact of such disasters, residents must be made aware of the risks of climate-related events, and they must be encouraged to heed alerts warning of natural disasters issued by state and federal institutions. Efficient monitoring of risk is also needed. Risk management will be viable only when everyone participates, which requires education and cultural change.