A new flood map was released by researchers from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (Ufrgs) on Monday afternoon, following the announcement by Mayor Sebastião Melo of the electricity shutdown in a pump house located near Rótula of Cuias. According to the researchers, the measure will mainly affect the Praia de Belas, Cidade Baixa and Menino Deus neighborhoods.
All areas marked on the map remain at very high risk of flooding, if they have not already been flooded. The published link consists of an interactive map that presents the estimated flooding for the ongoing event in Porto Alegre. It also presents important layers to help the population, such as temporary shelters, schools, health units (including hospitals), social assistance units, Dmae infrastructure and floodgates.
To map potentially flooded areas, the absence of protective structures was considered, such as walls, dikes and pump houses, among others. The map was edited by environmental engineer Iporã Possantti.
According to the Municipal Department of Water and Sewage (Dmae), the pump that stopped working is number 16 and was a request from CEEE Equatorial. The city advises that the population of the region seek safe shelter in family homes or in shelters provided by the city.
“For safety reasons, CEEE shut down this pump. I want to recommend residents of Cidade Baixa, Praia de Belas and Menino Deus to leave these areas and not stay on the ground floor. We are taking all possible measures to reduce flooding in the region,” said Melo.
