Storm in RS: The number of deaths rises to 13 due to heavy rains in the state; 8.3 thousand people are homeless, reports bulletin

According to the Civil Defense report released this Thursday (2), the three most recent deaths were recorded in Santa Maria (two victims) and Saint John of Polesine. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) plans to visit Rio Grande do Sul later today and participate in a meeting with the governor, the mayor of Santa Maria and other regional leaders.

Car is covered by floods in the city of Encantado, in Rio Grande do Sul - Photo Reproduction/Diego Vara/Reuters

The recent and intense rains that have hit the state of Rio Grande do Sul Since Monday (29),have generated a series of devastating consequences, according to information updated in the latest bulletins. Until now, the death toll from the storms rose to 13, while around 8,300 people are homeless.According to the latest Civil Defense report released this Thursday morning (2), the last three fatalities were recorded in Santa Maria (two victims) and Saint John of Polesine, all in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul.

The report also states that there are 21 missing individuals. In total, 134 municipalities faced adversities, such as floods, landslides and road obstructions. The most affected areas include the Central, Vales, Serra and Metropolitan regions of Porto Alegre. According to the data, approximately 44,600 people were impacted by climate phenomena.

To date, there are 8,300 homeless people, with 3,079 of them finding shelter in appropriate facilities, while 5,257 were welcomed by family or friends. The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) issued a red alert for specific areas of Rio Grande do Sul, in force until 3pm on Thursday. The weather forecast points to intense rain, potential hail, strong winds and the occurrence of lightning.

Unprecedented State Catastrophe

Last Wednesday (1st), the governor of Rio Grande do Sul warned of the imminent disaster due to the storm. Eduardo Leite (PSDB) made a comparison with the tragedies that occurred in 2023, which claimed dozens of lives, recognizing the difficulty in rescuing all those affected. He emphasized the limitation in the ability to carry out rescues, given the scattered magnitude of this weather event. The incessant rains have hampered efforts to access the affected areas. On the same Wednesday, Rio Grande do Sul declared a state of public calamity due to intense rains, as published in an extra edition of the Official State Gazette.

Visit of President Lula

This Thursday, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT) will be in Rio Grande do Sul. Following the official schedule published on the website, Lula and his government team should arrive at the Santa Maria air base at around 10 am. During his stay, the president will meet with the governor, the mayor of Santa Maria and other local leaders. The planned overflight of the affected areas was canceled due to weather conditions.