Rio Grande do Sul has already recorded 29 deaths as a result of the rains that hit the state in recent days. There are also 60 people missing in the state. According to Governor Eduardo Leite, the numbers should rise in the coming days. 
“With the deepest pain in my heart, I can say that it will be even more than that, because we are not able to access certain locations,” he said.
The total number of people in shelters is 4,645 and another 10,242 are homeless. The number of affected municipalities reached 154. The governor asked people for special attention so that they take seriously the recommendations to evacuate affected areas. “We are in an absurdly exceptional situation.”
More than 328 thousand points are without electricity in the state and 541.5 thousand customers are without water supply. A total of 494 schools are affected across the state, damaged, serving as shelters, with transportation problems or access problems.
According to the Autonomous Department of Highways (Daer), there are currently 139 sections on 60 highways with total and partial closures, including roads and bridges.
More rain
The forecast is that rain will continue, at least, until Saturday (4) in the northwest, north, central region and valleys, with a forecast of 200 millimeters. Due to the unprecedented nature of the current flood, residents of affected areas are advised to stay away from areas and regions where floods have recently occurred.
According to the governor, the affected rivers will continue to rise over the weekend and the water should take time to recede.
Dams at risk of collapse
The Blang dam, on the Caí River, in São Francisco de Paula, is in an emergency situation. Leite said he spoke with the general director of the National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel), Sandoval Feitosa, to ask that the dam’s emergency action plan be put into motion, to remove those who live near that area.
The possible collapse of the dam could affect the municipalities of São Francisco de Paula, Canela, Gramado, Nova Petrópolis, Vale Real and Feliz. Another water supply dam in Bento Gonçalves is being monitored by the state government.
