<p>Climate change has intensified the frequency and severity of extreme weather events worldwide, with developing regions becoming increasingly vulnerable to their impacts. Brazil has experienced a rise in climate-related disasters, particularly in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, which has shown growing susceptibility to extreme rainfall events. On April 27, 2024, what began as typical seasonal rainfall escalated into one of the most devastating climate catastrophes in Brazil’s history. The event resulted in 184 deaths, 25 missing people, and more than 2.4 million affected across 478 municipalities, approximately 96.1% of all cities in the state. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of this extreme event, assessing the associated short- and long-term negative effects and projecting what can be expected in the near future. The findings highlight the scale and complexity of the disaster’s repercussions and underscore the need to rethink flood management strategies, particularly in urban areas. Lessons from this event point to the necessity of integrating updated climate projections into urban planning and reinforcing flood control infrastructure, while also recognizing the role of nature-based and systemic approaches to increase resilience in the face of future climate threats. The Rio Grande do Sul tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the cascading risks posed by climate change and the need for systemic solutions to build resilient communities.</p>