Rio Grande do Sul has already recorded 56 deaths due to the heavy rains that have hit the state since the beginning of the week. According to a Civil Defense bulletin, 281 municipalities were affected, leaving 8,296 people in shelters and 24,666 citizens homeless. The number of missing people reaches 67. There are still 74 injured. 
Also according to the state Civil Defense, at least 350 thousand residential and commercial points remain without electricity: 296 thousand points are served by RGE Sul and 54 thousand points by CEEE Equatorial.
>> Rains in RS: why does it rain so much in the state? Understand the causes
The consequences of the rains also continue to affect telecommunications services across the state, making rescue work difficult. Customers of the TIM operator in 63 cities are without access to telephony and internet. Vivo users from 46 municipalities are also unable to access the services. Claro faces problems in 19 locations.
To try to minimize connectivity problems, in the middle of the week, the three operators released roaming between them. With this, customers of any of the three can temporarily access the network of the other two companies, depending on signal availability.
Rescues
The rains that hit the state also cause damage and changes in traffic on state highways in Rio Grande do Sul. As of Friday night (3), at least 128 sections of 68 highways were totally or partially blocked, including roads and bridges.
With blocked highways and extensive flooded areas, many communities are isolated and rescue teams face difficulties in rescuing them. Yesterday (3), the Civil Defense coordinator of Eldorado do Sul, in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, extended the request for help to volunteers who own motor boats.
“We are in a very difficult time trying to help people who are still stranded in various parts of the city”, explained João Ferreira. “I come to ask for help; [fazer] a distress call for Eldorado do Sul. Please, we need motor boats; of motor boats; of help. So that we can remove the people who are stranded, who are on the roofs. We need the help of those who are able to come to Eldorado to help us”, added the municipal Civil Defense coordinator.
Today (4), it was Canoas city hall’s turn to use social media to make the same request. “Civil Defense [municipal] needs donations of boats and volunteers capable of operating them. Many residents urgently need rescue services”, informed the local Executive, who also asked for contributions via PIX (key, email: [email protected]) for flood victims. “All proceeds raised will be used to provide shelter, food, clothing and other essential items to families affected by this tragedy,” he assured.
Extreme weather event
The rain is unlikely to let up this Saturday (4). The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) published a new warning of the danger of intense rain for Rio Grande do Sul and the southern region of Santa Catarina.
According to the agency, there are risks of flooding, electrical discharges, falling tree branches and power cuts. Around 600 municipalities could be affected, including the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre. In Santa Catarina, Greater Florianópolis, Vale do Itajaí and the western and southern regions of the state should be affected.
*Extended article at 10:06 am.
