Caracas was brought to a standstill over the weekend after an extraordinary burst of rainfall dumped the equivalent of more than two months of rain on Venezuela’s capital in just 45 minutes.

The torrential rain triggered severe flash flooding across Caracas on Saturday, August 22, causing rivers and drainage channels to overflow and turning major roads into fast-moving waterways.

One of the worst-hit areas was the Valle-Coche highway, where more than 60 vehicles were affected after floodwaters overwhelmed the roadway. Emergency crews were deployed throughout the city as motorists became trapped and residents scrambled to escape the rising water.

A Major Highway Turned Into a River

Videos from Caracas showed just how quickly conditions deteriorated.

The El Valle River overflowed, submerging portions of the Valle-Coche highway and surrounding areas while vehicles became stranded in the floodwaters.

Emergency teams, firefighters and civil protection officials were deployed to rescue people trapped by the flooding.

Around 100 people were reportedly rescued in the Valle Abajo area, while dozens of vehicles were caught in the flooding across the city.

Trees and power lines were also damaged as the storm moved through Caracas.

Tropical Wave 40 Blamed for the Extreme Rain

The flooding was associated with Tropical Wave 40, which brought intense rainfall to Caracas and neighbouring Miranda state.

The Venezuelan government activated its Civil Protection System following the storm, deploying emergency personnel to affected communities.

Flooding was also reported in areas including Coche and La Vega, while water levels rose significantly along the Guaire River in Petare.

In Miranda state, authorities reported damage including a collapsed home in Los Teques and people missing after vehicles were swept away by rising water.

And More Rain Could Be Coming

Perhaps the biggest concern is that Venezuela may not be finished with the severe weather.

The country’s National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology warned that two additional tropical waves — 41 and 42 — are moving toward Venezuela.

Tropical Wave 41 was expected to reach the country between Monday and Tuesday, while Tropical Wave 42 could arrive later in the week.

Authorities have warned residents in vulnerable areas to remain alert as additional rainfall and thunderstorms are possible across several parts of the country.

Venezuela Faces Another Natural Disaster

The flooding comes at an especially difficult time for Venezuela.

Communities in parts of the country are already dealing with the aftermath of recent earthquakes, leaving emergency services responding to multiple natural disasters within a short period.

For Caracas residents, Saturday’s flooding demonstrated how quickly conditions can become dangerous.

In less than an hour, streets became rivers, vehicles were overwhelmed and rescue teams were scrambling across the capital.

More than two months of rain — in just 45 minutes.

And with additional tropical waves approaching Venezuela, authorities are warning residents that the threat may not be over yet.