Governor Cláudio Castro unveiled the 2025 Rain Contingency Plan on January 15, committing R$8 billion to mitigate the impact of severe summer storms.
As reported by Corpo de Bombeiros Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (CBMERJ), the plan includes collaboration across government departments, municipalities, and private concessionaires in the gas, energy, and water sectors to strengthen disaster response and prevention.
Governor Castro emphasized the importance of readiness during extreme weather events: “Our commitment is to protect lives, minimize risks, and ensure a rapid and efficient response to emergencies.”
The Permanent Rainfall Committee, consisting of departments such as Civil Defense, Planning, and Environment, will oversee coordination with municipalities, mapping responsibilities and investments to reduce disaster response times.
The Fire Department’s Operation Pluvian will see a 40% increase in personnel by April 2025, with 1,500 firefighters, including 400 specialized in disaster rescue.
Technological upgrades include two drones equipped with megaphones, thermal cameras, and searchlights for precise operations under adverse conditions.
CBMERJ reported that Civil Defense has received R$1 billion for disaster prevention initiatives.
These measures include training specialized responders, acquiring search and rescue dogs, vehicles, and conducting essential hydrological and geological studies.
State departments are investing R$4 billion in storm drainage systems, slope containment, and urban redevelopment projects.
An additional R$2.7 billion will fund the cleaning of 800 rivers across 88 municipalities.
The Environment and Sustainability Department has emphasized the importance of hydrometeorological monitoring and flood warnings as part of their prevention strategy.
According to CBMERJ, the city of Petrópolis, which faced a significant disaster in 2022, will benefit from R$266 million in investments.
Key projects include the Extravasor Tunnel, aimed at preventing future landslides and flooding.
Governor Castro highlighted the State’s role in completing critical phases of the tunnel project despite limited federal investment.
In 2024, the state delivered R$4 million worth of humanitarian aid, including hygiene and food kits.
The Recomeçar program provided assistance to over 61,000 families, a substantial increase from 2022.
Investments totaling R$200 million were allocated across 27 cities, with an additional R$44 million supporting Social Rent initiatives in 66 municipalities.
CBMERJ’s 2025 Rain Contingency Plan dedicates R$8 billion to disaster prevention and response, involving collaboration among government departments, municipalities, and concessionaires.
Expanded resources include 1,500 firefighters and advanced technology such as drones with thermal imaging.
Infrastructure projects, including the cleaning of 800 rivers and the development of the Extravasor Tunnel, aim to reduce flood risks.
Investments in Civil Defense, training programs, and humanitarian aid further highlight the state’s commitment to safeguarding Rio de Janeiro against extreme weather events.
