Flood Crisis in Rio Grande do Sul Intensifies with 127 Deaths, $10 Billion Aid Announced
The catastrophic floods in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, have now claimed 127 lives, with the number of people affected nearing two million . The region is on high alert as the National Meteorology Institute predicts up to 140 mm of rainfall over the weekend, exacerbating the already dire situation . In response to the crisis, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced a $10 billion aid package for reconstruction efforts in the state . This comes as companies like BYD and Fiat initiate donation campaigns, contributing to the relief efforts by collecting non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products, and cleaning supplies to assist the 600,000 homes flooded and over 60,000 people living in shelters in the affected region.
The state of Rio Grande do Sul is facing immense challenges due to the floods caused by heavy rainfall, affecting over 87% of the territory and 435 municipalities . With 116 confirmed deaths and 143 people still missing , the state is working tirelessly to rescue those affected, involving 27,218 people in the effort, 41 aircraft, 340 boats, and 3,466 vehicles . As the water levels of several rivers remain high, 163,313 households are without electricity , and many roads are blocked due to flooding, hindering the flow of supplies and water through the remaining access points .
The floods have also severely impacted the state's infrastructure, with 976 schools affected , and a significant hit to the agricultural sector, with over 2,601 agricultural properties damaged . The Brazilian government's commitment to the region includes social benefits and cheaper credit for farmers and companies, recognizing that at least 19 billion reais ($3.68 billion) will be needed to rebuild from the damage . The situation is being compared to Hurricane Katrina, which devastated the region of New Orleans in 2005 , as health professionals point out similarities between the two disasters, including a lack of disaster prevention and centralized coordination of decisions .