The number of deaths resulting from the storms in Rio Grande do Sul has now reached 41. According to the state Civil Defense bulletin released at noon this Friday (8), two new deaths were recorded in the municipalities of Muçum and Roca Sales . There are also 25 people missing.
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There are 85 municipalities affected by the heavy rains, of which 22 declared an emergency situation, and 46 reported damage. 3,046 people are homeless, and another 7,781 are homeless. There are 73 injured and a total of 135,088 affected.
This Thursday (7), the federal government summarily recognized the state of public calamity of 79 affected municipalities, after the state government declared the seriousness of the situation on Wednesday (6). Signed by the national secretary of Protection and Civil Defense, Wolnei Wolff Barreiros, the ordinance is already in effect.
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The 46 disappeared as of this Friday morning are from the municipality of Arroio do Meio (8), Lajeado (8) and Muçum (30). The 41 deaths were in 11 cities:
Southern Cross: 4
Enchanted: 1
Star: 2
Ibiraiaras: 2
Immigrant: 1
Lajeado: 3
Mato Castelhano: 1
Muçum: 15
Deep Step: 1
Rock Salts: 10
Santa Tereza: 1
Blocked highways
This Friday morning, according to information consolidated by the Military Brigade Road Command (CRBM), there are ten sections with total or partial blockages on six highways. Two bridges were destroyed by the rains, on ERS-448, between Farroupilha and Nova Roma do Sul, and on ERS-431, in Bento Gonçalves, on the border with São Valentim do Sul.
In the State, some lanes are still flooded due to overflowing rivers, according to the Autonomous Department of Highways (Daer) and the Empresa Gaúcha de Rodovias (EGR). The block list can be checked on the state government website.
Flood and rain warnings
The Civil Defense of RS issued preventive flood alerts for several regions. The Santa Maria River has a slow rise in Dom Pedrito. The Ibirapuitã River rises slowly in Alegrete. The Uruguay River rises slowly between São Borja and Itaqui.
The Civil Defense of Porto Alegre issued a warning about the possibility of flooding in the riverside region of the Capital, especially in the Arquipélago neighborhood, where there are already flooded houses, and in the South zone. The rise in the level of the Guaíba is due to the high volume of water that drains from the Jacuí/Taquari system.
The region of the islands in Porto Alegre is already experiencing flooding / Photo: Alex Rocha/PMPA
The guidance in case of flooding is for the population to avoid traveling on the street, take shelter in a safe place and, if they live in a property at risk of flooding, seek temporary shelter with family members or city hall. If you have any questions or emergencies, call Civil Defense (199) or the Fire Department (193).
There is also the forecast of moderate to heavy rains, this Friday (8), in the North and Northwest regions. Throughout the day, the weather should stabilize again in Rio Grande do Sul, but from the evening onwards, instability will return to the Campanha and Missões regions. On Saturday (9), the rains should continue in the Northwest and North of the state.
Receive alerts on your cell phone
Civil Defense asks that the population of the aforementioned regions pay attention and register to receive weather alerts, which also serve as prevention. To do so, simply send your zip code via SMS to the number 40199.
It is also possible to register via Whatsapp. To access the service, you must register by phone (61) 2034-4611 or by the link https://wa.me/556120344611 and then interact with the chatbot (service robot), sending a simple “Hi “. After this first interaction, the user will be able to share their current location or choose any other location of interest and, in this way, receive messages that will be forwarded by Civil Defense agencies.
Source: BdF Rio Grande do Sul
Editing: Marcelo Ferreira
