The number of people killed by the heavy rains hitting Rio Grande do Sul (RS) reached 66, according to the latest Civil Defense bulletin released at 9am this Sunday (5). Another six deaths are still under investigation and 155 people were injured. There are still 101 people missing. 
The number of deaths surpassed the state’s last environmental catastrophe in September 2023, when 54 people lost their lives due to the passage of an extratropical cyclone. Authorities say this is the worst climate disaster in Rio Grande do Sul’s history.
The rains also forced 95,700 people to abandon their homes, including 80,500 displaced people and 15,100 homeless people. In total, the rains have already affected 707,100 people in the state. Of the 497 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, 332 were affected by heavy rains, which represents 66% of the cities in RS.
Still according to the government, more than 420 thousand points in the state remain without electricity and 839 thousand homes (27%) without water supply.
The rains also cause damage and changes in traffic on state highways in Rio Grande do Sul. This Sunday (5), 113 sections of 61 highways were recorded with total and partial closures, including roads and bridges.
Due to the flooding of Lake Guaíba, in Porto Alegre, the capital’s city hall asked residents to ration water due to the interruption of operation of four of the six treatment plants.
Several areas of Porto Alegre were flooded after Lake Guaíba, which crosses the city, exceeded the flood level and, this Saturday, exceeded five meters, the highest level ever recorded.
On Saturday night (4), governor Eduardo Leite, and ministers Paulo Pimenta (Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency) and Waldez Góes (Integration and Regional Development) stated that the governments’ joint efforts are focused on rescuing as many people as possible. . As of yesterday, more than 10,000 rescues had been carried out.
>> Rains in RS: why does it rain so much in the state? Understand the causes
How to help
At this time, the most necessary items for donation are new mattresses or those in good condition, bedding, bathing suits, blankets, drinking water, animal food and basic food baskets, preferably closed to facilitate transport. Find out how to donate.
