President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said this Wednesday (1st) that he will go to Rio Grande do Sul this Thursday (2nd) because of the rains hitting the state. 
“I’m thinking about going to Rio Grande do Sul tomorrow so that we can effectively help to reduce the suffering of these people,” said the president in a phone call with governor Eduardo Leite, published on Lula’s social networks.
The heavy rains have already caused ten deaths, and 21 people are missing. According to Civil Defense, 104 municipalities were affected, 1,431 people were homeless and 1,145 were taken to shelters.
The priority is the rescue of stranded families. In the conversation, Lula said that eight Armed Forces helicopters are ready to support rescue actions, but are unable to take off due to the weather in the state.
“The helicopters are already prepared to go to Rio Grande do Sul as soon as the ceiling allows,” said Lula.
The first conversation between Lula and Eduardo Leite took place yesterday (30), when the governor of Rio Grande do Sul requested support from the federal government. The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) was called in and made two helicopters available. According to the FAB, a family was rescued from a house that was being submerged in the Candelária region and taken to Santa Cruz. However, there were no conditions for the aircraft to take off from Santa Maria due to the weather. So far, seven people have been rescued.
The president also guaranteed the sending of more men to help the population. According to the Ministry of Defense, 335 military personnel participate in support actions for the population of Rio Grande do Sul affected by heavy rains, rescuing stranded people, distributing water, food and donations, recovering damaged infrastructure, setting up tents for the homeless. and supply of mattresses. 12 boats, five helicopters and 43 vehicles were also made available.
Governor Eduardo Leite stated that the forecast is for the heavy rain to continue until Friday (3), give a respite at the weekend and return in the following days. “We have a difficult picture for the next few days,” he said.
