Tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul: Number of deaths in RS reaches 154; Level of the Guaíba river records a drop in water volume

Faced with the enormity of the tragedy, state, municipal and federal authorities, together with the Brazilian population, have redoubled their efforts to offer assistance to the victims and coordinate rescue operations. The government of Rio Grande do Sul announced the implementation of the Volta por Cima Program, aimed at assisting families in situations of extreme poverty.

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Porto Alegre City Hall on the left and Municipal Market on the right, flooded after rains that hit the state - Photo Reproduction/Gilvan Rocha/Agencia Brasil

The state of Rio Grande do Sul continues to face an unprecedented crisis due to recent floods that devastated several regions of the state.The death toll due to heavy rain and flooding has reached 154, according to local authorities. The cities with the highest number of deaths are Canoas, in the Metropolitan Region of Porto Alegre, with 19 deaths, followed by Roca Sales, in Vale do Taquari, Caxias do Sul and Cruzeiro do Sul, in Serra do RS, each recording 10 deaths.

The catastrophic impact left countless families homeless and devastated large urban and rural areas, causing widespread commotion among the population, authorities and other Brazilian states. The increase in the volume of water in the region's rivers has overwhelmed local infrastructure, forcing thousands of residents to abandon their homes in search of safety. Streets turned into rivers, houses were submerged and basic services were interrupted. This has been the daily scenario for residents of the affected regions, who face a daily struggle for survival.

Situation to date

The level of Guaíba in Porto Alegre continues to decrease this Friday (17). At 5:15 am, the record was 4.73 meters. Although the water has receded in some areas of the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, Many neighborhoods still remain flooded. In areas where the streets have already dried out, residents have begun to return and clean their homes. However, the situation is more critical in the cities located on the banks of Lagoa dos Patos, in the south of Rio Grande do Sul. Yesterday, the level rose, resulting in more flooded areas. This Friday, a new cold front is intensifying rain in the state. There is a danger warning for the northern region, where storms may hit the river headwaters.

According to the latest Civil Defense updates, released daily at 9 am, 12 pm and 6 pm, to date, there are 461 municipalities affected, 78,165 people in shelters, 78,165 people displaced, 2,281,830 people affected, 806 injured, 98 missing and 12,108 animals rescued.

Response from the Authorities

Faced with the magnitude of the tragedy, state, municipal and federal authorities mobilized efforts to provide assistance to victims and coordinate rescue operations. Emergency teams have been working tirelessly to evacuate at-risk areas, provide temporary shelter and distribute essential supplies such as drinking water and food. Additionally, preventative measures are being implemented to mitigate future flood impacts.

The 620,000 families that participate in Bolsa Família in Rio Grande do Sul will receive this month's payment this Friday, May 17th. In response to the calamity situation in the state, the Federal Government and CAIXA decided to unify payment for the first day of the income transfer program schedule. The average value of the benefit is R$672.74. On Wednesday (15), the Plenary approved with 61 votes in favor and none against, the project that suspends payments of 36 monthly debt installments of Rio Grande do Sul with the Union.

The resources will be used in actions to face the public calamity caused by the recent rains. The project, which required the approval of an absolute majority of senators, was sent for presidential approval. During the visit of the delegation led by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to São Leopoldo do Sul, in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, the Chief Minister of the Civil House, Rui Costa, announced that the Families affected by the recent floods in Rio Grande do Sul will benefit from aid of R$5,100 from the federal government to replace lost furniture, appliances and other goods.

The government of Rio Grande do Sul announced its mobilization for the construction of "temporary cities" in four municipalities that are home to more than 65% of the currently homeless population. These facilities will be established in the most impacted locations: Porto Alegre, Canoas, São Leopoldo and Guaíba. The purpose of these temporary structures is to provide shelter and adequate living conditions until permanent housing solutions are established.

The temporary cities will be equipped with residential units for families, as well as common areas such as bathrooms with showers, kitchens, laundry rooms and dedicated spaces for children and pets. At this Friday's press conference, Governor Eduardo Leite revealed the launch of the "Volta Por Cima" program, aimed at financially assisting families in situations of poverty and extreme poverty, registered in the Single Registry and affected by the floods in the state. A total of 47 thousand families should receive the benefit worth R$2.5 thousand each.

Solidarity and Mobilization of Civil Society

In the midst of tragedy, solidarity has been a fundamental driving force. Local volunteers, non-governmental organizations and businesses have come together to offer support to victims, whether through financial donations, providing resources or volunteer work. This mobilization of civil society has played a crucial role in supporting affected communities and rebuilding the social fabric that was shaken by the calamity.

Around 70% of donations destined for Rio Grande do Sul and delivered by citizens to post offices across the country consist of clothing items. For this reason, in agreement with the Civil Defense, the Post Office decided this Friday to temporarily suspend the reception of clothing items in its branches, as they already have sufficient stock to meet the needs of the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The company is asking the population to continue their donations of water, basic food, pet food, cleaning and personal hygiene products. Donations can be made at any of the more than 10,000 post offices throughout Brazil, to be transported free of charge to the Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul.