Rio Grande do Sul reports 29 fatalities due to rainfall

The state of Rio Grande do Sul has already documented 29 fatalities due to the recent onslaught of heavy rains. Additionally, there are reports of 60 individuals missing in the region. Governor Eduardo Leite has expressed concerns that these figures may escalate in the coming days.

"With the deepest pain in my heart, I can tell you that the situation will get even worse, because we are unable to access certain locations," he said.

The total number of people in shelters stands at 4,645, while another 10,242 are homeless. The number of municipalities affected has reached 154. The governor asked people to take the recommendations to evacuate affected areas seriously. "We are in an absurdly exceptional situation," he stated.

Over 328,000 locations are currently without electricity in the state, while 541,500 customers face water supply disruptions. Furthermore, 494 schools across the state are grappling with various challenges, from damage to serving as shelters, all compounded by transportation and access issues.

According to state highway authorities, there are currently 139 sections on 60 highways experiencing either total or partial blockages, including both roads and bridges.

Further rainfall

The forecast predicts continued rainfall until at least Saturday (May 4) in the northwest, north, central, and valley regions, with an anticipated accumulation of 200 millimeters. Given the unprecedented severity of the flooding, residents of affected areas are strongly urged to steer clear of these locations as well as regions

According to the governor, the affected rivers are expected to continue rising over the weekend, and it may take some time for the water levels to recede.

Dams at risk of collapse

Leite mentioned that he had a conversation with the director-general of Brazil’s national electricity regulator Aneel, Sandoval Feitosa. He requested the implementation of the emergency action plan for the Blang dam on the Caí River in São Francisco de Paula to evacuate residents living near the area.

The potential collapse of the dam poses a threat to several municipalities, including São Francisco de Paula, Canela, Gramado, Nova Petrópolis, Vale Real, and Feliz. Additionally, the state government is closely monitoring another water supply dam in Bento Gonçalves.