The state of Rio Grande do Sul is facing a state of calamity that may worsen as heavy rains returned to the region this Friday (10). The forecast indicates that the rain, accompanied by cold weather, will persist until Tuesday.
Authorities have many concerns.
- Emergency shelters are not prepared for the impending cold. Therefore, local authorities are requesting 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 Serra itself are at risk due to 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 rains;
Number of Dead and Missing
At least 116 people have lost their lives, and another 143 are missing due to the heavy rains affecting Rio Grande do Sul since the 26th of last month.
Since Thursday (9), the state Civil Defense has been releasing the names of deceased individuals as well as those whose whereabouts are unknown. The list already spans six pages and continues to grow.
By noon this Friday, the state Civil Defense reported that around 1.9 million people have been affected in 437 cities by adverse effects of the rains, such as floods, inundations, flash floods, landslides, collapses, and others.
Throughout the state, at least 337,346 displaced individuals have had to seek shelter at the homes of family or friends at some point—many are still waiting for water levels to recede before returning to their homes. Another 70,772 people are homeless, meaning they have nowhere to go and have had to take refuge in public shelters or charitable institutions.
Authorities are urging those rescued from the floods not to return home yet.
Source: Uol and Agência Brasil