BR-116 is improvised as a landing strip for an airplane with donations to Rio Grande do Sul | Brazil

Due to the lack of available runways, the plane landed on BR-116ucas Wink/Military Brigade

Published 05/08/2024 11:26

São Paulo – A small plane coming from Rio de Janeiro landed on the BR-116 highway, in Guaíba (RS), with donations from businessmen from Rio de Janeiro, on the afternoon of this Tuesday, 7th, while Porto Alegre Airport continues with flights suspended until the end of the month. Donations were made to flood victims in Guaíba and Eldorado do Sul.

Mediation for the donation was carried out by a former resident of Guaíba, who currently lives in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. Upon realizing that a group of businesspeople aware of the situation in Rio Grande do Sul were willing to help, she suggested Guaíba to receive the donations.

“I no longer live in the city, but I love this place with all my heart. Realizing this possibility, I suggested our city”, says Yolanda Porto.

The businesspeople, who did not want to be identified, donated 300 liters of water, medicine and non-perishable food.

According to the city of Guaíba, the same plane should return to the city of Rio Grande do Sul this Wednesday, 8th, bringing a team of health professionals such as doctors and nurses.

“I just have to thank you for this gesture of affection towards our citizens”, said Mayor Marcelo Maranata.

Blocked highways

Several sections of the highway were closed in Rio Grande do Sul due to the floods. In addition to BR-116, several other highways in the State are totally or partially blocked.

This Wednesday, there are 89 sections of 53 highways with total and partial closures, including roads and bridges, according to information from the Autonomous Department of Highways (Daer) consolidated with the Military Brigade Road Command (CRBM), also covering concession highways and those managed by Empresa Gaúcha de Rodovias (EGR).

There are at least 95 deaths and 131 people missing due to the rains in the state, according to the Civil Defense, which warns of intense rain with the risk of flooding, strong wind, electrical discharges and possible hail. The forecast is that the floods will move towards Lagoa dos Patos, on the coast, reaching practically all riverside regions and municipalities in the Costa Doce and Sul da Lagoa region.