The mayor of Porto Alegre, Brazil, has requested water rationing as 80% of the population is without running water due to recent flooding. Rescue efforts are ongoing in Rio Grande do Sul, with closed airports, blocked roads, and disrupted water treatment facilities causing difficulties. Urgent needs include drinking water, food, and hygiene products, with other Brazilian states sending donations to help those affected. Efforts are underway to rescue people stranded by the floods in Rio Grande do Sul, and more rains are forecasted for the region in the coming week.
Due to the flooding, the capital city of Porto Alegre has been virtually cut off, with main roads blocked, the airport and bus station closed, and five out of six water treatment facilities not functioning. Mayor Sebastião Melo has ordered that water be used only for essential consumption. The shortage of water is real and may take some time to return to normal. The most urgent need is drinking water, but food and personal hygiene products are also in short supply. Residents in Rio Grande do Sul who can flee are doing so, as fears of water shortages and the spread of diseases increase.
With main access roads blocked by floodwaters, it is difficult for many residents in Porto Alegre to leave the city. The airport and main bus terminal are closed for the foreseeable future, complicating evacuation efforts. Although the downpour has ceased momentarily, a looming cold front is forecasted to bring severe rain starting Tuesday night, predominantly in the southern part of the state. The National Meteorological Institute predicts rainfall exceeding 150 millimeters by early Wednesday. Gov. Eduardo Leite has issued an alert for cities near the massive Patos Lagoon, warning the water level will rise, affecting residents and urging them to heed evacuation orders.
The damage from the heavy rains has forced over 150,000 people from their homes, with an additional 50,000 seeking refuge in temporary shelters. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited Rio Grande do Sul for the second time on Sunday, accompanied by top government officials including the Defense Minister, Finance Minister, and Environment Minister. Pope Francis offered prayers for the state’s population during Mass at the Vatican. Public health experts warn of a growing risk of disease, particularly dengue fever and leptospirosis, as much of the region remains submerged in water.
Due to the increased risk of disease and security concerns, public health experts warn of the potential rise in cases of dengue fever and leptospirosis. There is also an increased risk of looting and theft in the area, with police increasing surveillance to prevent such incidents. Three top-tier Rio Grande do Sul state soccer clubs have requested the suspension of national league matches for the next 20 days due to flooding, a request that Brazil’s soccer confederation is considering. With the challenges and devastation caused by the heavy rains and flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, efforts are ongoing to provide assistance to those affected and address the urgent needs of the population.
