The heavy rains that have hit Rio Grande do Sul since last week have already affected more than 780,700 people. To date, 75 people have died, according to the latest Civil Defense bulletin released at 12pm this Sunday (5). Another six deaths are still under investigation and 155 people were injured. There are still 103 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 104,600 displaced people and 16,600 homeless people. Of the 497 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, 334 were affected by heavy rains, which represents 67.2% of the state’s cities.
Still according to the most recent balance of state infrastructures, 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.
Late this Sunday morning (5), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; the presidents of the Chamber of Deputies, Arthur Lira; of the Senate, Rodrigo Pacheco, and of the Federal Audit Court (TCU), Bruno Dantas, landed at the Canoas Air Base (RS). The delegation is also made up of 13 ministers; by the Army commander, General Tomás Paiva; by Minister of the Federal Supreme Court Edson Fachin; and by First Lady Janja Lula da Silva.
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.
