Civil Defense predicts risk of more flooding in Rio Grande do Sul | Brazil

The Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) released a new warning, at 10:05 am this Sunday (5), warning of more rain and “pointily strong” winds in the north and northeast of the state and in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, with a risk of electrical discharges, hail and new flooding. The warning is valid until 2pm today.

The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) also released a warning this morning warning of intense rains in most of the state, with a severity level of “potential danger”, which is the lowest level on the risk scale, which could even be “danger” and “great danger”. Inmet’s forecast is valid until 11:59 pm today.

“Rain between 20 and 30 millimeters (mm/h) or up to 50 mm/day, intense winds (40-60 km/h). Low risk of electricity cuts, falling tree branches, flooding and electrical discharges”, informed Inmet.

On Saturday night (4), Civil Defense had already warned of the risk of further flooding of the Guaíba River, with a map showing, in red, the areas that could become flooded. According to the agency, “those who live in lower areas should seek shelter in safe locations, away from the red zone on the map.”

Civil Defense recommends that people access this link to check if they are in a risk area and adds that “do not wait for the water to arrive, leave the house in advance and go to a safe place. Protect yourself and your family.”

So far, 66 people have died due to the heavy rains that hit Rio Grande do Sul, according to the latest Civil Defense bulletin released at 9am this Sunday (5). Another six deaths are still under investigation and another 155 people are injured. There are still 101 missing.

The death toll surpassed the state’s last environmental catastrophe, in September 2023, when 54 people lost their lives. Authorities say this is the worst climate disaster in the history of Rio Grande do Sul.

The rains also forced 95,700 people to abandon their homes, including 80,500 displaced people and 15,100 homeless people. In total, the rains have already affected 707,100 people in the state. Of the 497 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul, 332 were affected by heavy rains, which represents 66% of the total.

At this time, the most necessary items for victims of bad weather are new or good mattresses, bed linen, bathing suits, blankets, drinking water, animal feed and basic food baskets, preferably closed to facilitate transport.