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Large parts of the south of the country are flooded. Rescue and recovery work is making slow progress. The overview.
What happened? After days of heavy rainfall, severe flooding has occurred in southern Brazil. At least 90 people have died so far. There are also 361 injured and more than 100 missing, several media outlets reported, citing the South American country’s civil defense.
What are the consequences of the floods? More than 1.3 million people in 388 towns in the state of Rio Grande do Sul are affected by the floods. “150,000 have lost the roof over their heads, 50,000 have now been accommodated in emergency accommodation,” says ARD correspondent Anne Herrberg in Rio de Janeiro.
Almost 70 percent of all communities in Rio Grande do Sul were affected by the natural disaster. “In many places, people have no internet connection or telephone, which means they sometimes cannot communicate with their relatives.” There is also a lack of electricity in many places, says Herrberg. Meanwhile, all flight operations in the regional capital Porto Alegre have been suspended. Pictures show flooding in the waiting areas and the landing strips of the aircraft.
How is the rescue and recovery work going on site? According to ARD correspondent Herrberg, on the one hand the military and the navy are deployed on site. The latter is sending its largest naval ship to the affected area to help. But there are also many private aid campaigns by companies and stars who send helicopters or trucks with food or call for donations.
Floods in southern Brazil
Despite the great solidarity, progress is “very difficult because many parts of Rio Grande do Sul are still under water.” In Porto Alegre, however, many roads could have been repaired by now, which is helping with the rescue work there. But in many places the water is still so high that only the roofs of the houses are sticking out, says Herrberg.
What is the Brazilian government doing? President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva traveled to the affected area for the second time on Sunday. He spoke of one of the largest floods in the country’s history. On Monday, he announced a draft legislative decree to speed up the state’s reconstruction.
Legend:
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced on Monday a draft legislative decree to accelerate the reconstruction of the state.
EPA/Andre Borges
How is the situation likely to develop in the next few days? Civil defense also warned on Tuesday of the risk of further flooding and landslides in certain areas. Further heavy rainfall is forecast for this week. The flooding has not yet receded, and if there is more rain the water would add up, says Herrberg. In addition, a cold front could move over the affected areas. “The big concern is that people who live in remote communities and have not yet been rescued will be surprised by this cold snap.” Even in the regional capital Porto Alegre, there are no signs of the situation calming down any time soon. The city lies at a depth near the Guaíba River, says Herrberg. “This river now has a record level of over five meters.” Normally the flood limit would be reached at three meters, says Herrberg. It is therefore assumed that the center will remain under flooding for at least ten days.