The calamity in Rio Grande do Sul could get even worse as it rains heavily in the state again this Friday (10). The forecast is that the rain, which arrived accompanied by cold, will last until Tuesday.
Authorities expressed concerns:
• Shelters are not prepared for the imminent cold. Therefore, local authorities are asking for blanket donations;
• The risk of landslides increases. Elevated areas, such as the region between the north coast and the Serra Gaucha, the plateau and the mountains themselves are at risk due to the waterlogged soil;
• The Guaíba River should once again exceed five meters. The most significant changes should be felt on Sunday, according to the government. Other rivers in the state may also rise over the weekend due to the rain;
Number of dead and missing due to the rain
At least 116 people lost their lives and another 143 are still missing as a result of the heavy rains that have hit Rio Grande do Sul since the 26th.
Since Thursday (9), the state Civil Defense has been releasing the names of people who died, as well as those who are still missing. The list is already six pages long. And it doesn’t stop growing.
Until noon this Friday, the state Civil Defense counted around 1.9 million people affected in some way, in 437 cities, by adverse effects of rain, such as floods, landslides, and others.
Across the state, at least 337,346 people had to, at some point, seek shelter in the homes of family or friends – many are still waiting for the water level to drop so they can return to their homes. Another 70,772 people were left homeless, meaning they had nowhere to go and had to take refuge in public shelters or welfare institutions.
Officials are urging those who have been rescued from the floods not to return to their homes yet.
Source: Uol and Agência Brasil