The calamity in Rio Grande do Sul may worsen with the intense rains returning to the state this Friday (10). The forecast is that the rain, which has arrived accompanied by cold, will last until Tuesday.
Authorities have expressed concerns:
• Shelters are not prepared for the impending cold. Therefore, local authorities are asking for donations of blankets;
• The risk of landslides is increasing. Elevated areas, such as the region between the northern coast and the Serra Gaúcha, the plateau, and the mountains themselves are at risk due to the saturated soil;
• The Guaíba River is expected to exceed five meters again. The most significant changes are expected to be felt on Sunday, according to the government. Other rivers in the state may also rise over the weekend due to the rain;
Number of dead and missing due to the rains
At least 116 people have lost their lives and another 143 are still missing due to the intense rains affecting Rio Grande do Sul since the 26th.
Since Thursday (9), the state Civil Defense has been releasing the names of those who died, as well as those still missing. The list already has six pages. And it keeps growing.
By noon this Friday, the state Civil Defense had counted about 1.9 million people affected in some way, in 437 cities, by the adverse effects of the rain, such as floods, landslides, and others.
Throughout the state, at least 337,346 people have had to seek shelter at the homes of family or friends at some point – many are still waiting for the water level to recede to return home. Another 70,772 people have been left homeless, meaning they have nowhere to go and needed to take refuge in public shelters or assistance institutions.
Authorities are advising people rescued from the floods not to return home yet.
Source: Uol and Agência Brasil