Unrelenting Rains Exacerbate Flood Crisis in Rio Grande do Sul
In the wake of a brief respite, Rio Grande do Sul has once again been besieged by rains, exacerbating the already dire situation caused by historic floods that have claimed 113 lives and left 146 individuals missing. The relentless downpour has led to rivers and lakes reaching unprecedented levels, resulting in widespread inundation of urban areas, including the state capital, Porto Alegre.
The catastrophic flooding has been attributed to the potent El Niño current interacting with other weather fronts, causing water bodies to overflow and displace over 300,000 residents. The Guaiba river in Porto Alegre saw a slight decrease in water levels after a day without rain, only for the rainfall to resume. Met Sul, a local weather forecasting service, predicts persistent rainfall through Monday, with a high risk of storms looming over the weekend.
Statistics from the National Meteorological Institute reveal that the first five days of May have seen more than 400 mm of rain, far exceeding the monthly average of 140 to 180 mm. In Canoas, one of the hardest-hit areas near Porto Alegre, thousands have sought refuge in a college gymnasium repurposed as a shelter. The emotional toll is palpable among evacuees like Aparecida de Fatima Fagundes, who recounted the harrowing experience of the flood.
The state’s infrastructure has been severely impacted, with over 385,000 people without water services and disrupted telecom services in about 20 cities. In response to the crisis, the federal government has unveiled a package of aid measures aimed at providing immediate relief and supporting recovery efforts. This includes expedited social benefit payments and access to more affordable credit for farmers and businesses.
Governor Eduardo Leite has indicated that rebuilding efforts in the aftermath of the floods will require substantial financial resources, estimated at 19 billion reais ($3.68 billion). The agricultural sector is bracing for significant losses, with an estimated 3 million metric tons of soybeans potentially ruined. While the port of Rio Grande remains operational, earlier disruptions to road and rail access have posed challenges for grain exports.
