Flooding in northern part of Recife, Brazil, June 2022

In June 2022, immediately after returning from Europe, I was called to Brazil once again—this time to assist Caritas in responding to the catastrophic floods that had devastated Recife and surrounding areas.

The Floods in Recife – A Disaster in an Urban Setting

Heavy torrential rains in Recife and Pernambuco State triggered widespread flooding and deadly landslides, affecting thousands of people, particularly in poor urban neighbourhoods.

The main challenges of this disaster were:
• Rapid urban expansion – Many low-income communities are built on unstable land, often in flood-prone areas or on steep hillsides, making them extremely vulnerable to heavy rains.
• Lack of proper drainage systems – Informal settlements often lack infrastructure to channel rainwater, leading to severe flash floods.
• Landslides and collapsed homes – In many areas, waterlogged soil caused deadly landslides, destroying homes and displacing thousands of families.
• Limited emergency response capacity – Authorities struggled to reach affected areas quickly, leaving communities to rely on humanitarian organisations like Caritas for immediate relief.

Visiting Affected Communities

During my time in Recife, we visited several severely impacted areas, including:
• Jaboatão dos Guararapes – One of the hardest-hit cities, where entire neighbourhoods were submerged.
• Guairaba – A community where we personally experienced the dangers of flash flooding.
• Camaragibe – Another flood-stricken area, where residents were struggling to recover.

A Terrifying Moment in Guairaba

While in Guairaba, we were caught by a sudden downpour while visiting the community. The water levels rose incredibly fast, and before we knew it, we were trapped with no safe escape route.

At one point, the situation became genuinely dangerous—the floodwaters reached our waists, and we had no choice but to wade through the water to reach safety. My colleagues helped me, and we all looked after each other, ensuring that no one slipped or got swept away. It was a stark reminder of how quickly urban floods can turn deadly, especially in vulnerable communities with little infrastructure.

Exploring Recife – A City of History and Culture

Despite the heavy humanitarian work, I managed to explore Recife a little, discovering its rich cultural heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Known as the “Venice of Brazil”, Recife is a city of rivers, bridges, and colourful colonial architecture.

I was fascinated by its:
• Historic old town (Recife Antigo), where Portuguese influence is still visible.
• Diverse Afro-Brazilian heritage, which shapes the city’s music, food, and traditions.
• Unique identity as a mix of urban energy and coastal charm.

Reflections on the Mission

The floods in Recife were a painful reminder of the risks faced by poor urban communities, who often live in hazardous areas with little protection from climate-related disasters.

Despite the immense challenges, I was deeply impressed by Caritas’ incredible work, as well as the resilience of the affected communities, who were helping each other rebuild despite losing everything.

This mission was both physically and emotionally demanding, but also deeply rewarding, reinforcing the importance of disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable urban areas.

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