The death toll from heavy rains in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to 32.
The Civil Defense has registered 29 deaths. Meanwhile, the RBS TV channel, cited by the G1 portal, confirmed the death of three more people: two in the town of Taquara and one in Sao Vendelino, with information from prefectures, fire departments, Military Police and other local organizations.
In its most recent assessment, from this Thursday afternoon, the Civil Defense indicates that there are 60 people missing and 36 injuries. It is estimated that so far they are 71,306 affected, of which more than 14,800 have had to abandon their homes. Of these, 10,242 are homeless (in the homes of relatives or friends) and 4,645 remain in temporary shelters.
Of the 496 municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul, 154 They have already been affected by floods, landslides, bridge collapses, among others.
The Civil Defense warned that the majority of the state’s river basins are in risk of overflow. Likewise, the governor, Eduardo Leite, issued warnings about the dangers of new landslides. At the same time, the state government is monitoring dams in several regions due to the likelihood that their levels will cause significant new increases in river flows. Precipitation provoked recently the partial collapse of the 14 de Julio dam, located in the flow of the Das Antas river.
Within the framework of the catastrophe, Leite previously declared a state of public calamity, pointing out that it is the “largest natural disaster” they have faced. In this way, Rio Grande do Sul is in a position to request federal resources for humanitarian assistance, reconstruction of infrastructure and restoration of essential services. Local authorities assure that with the support of the governments of other states and the Armed Forces, the rescue of more than 4,000 people in affected areas. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva traveled to the state this Thursday, but weather conditions prevented him from reaching the affected areas.
Source: RT
