Cities affected by the rains total 168 in Rio Grande do Sul.
The Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul reported that 168 municipalities were affected by the heavy rain recorded throughout the state; of this total, 141 declared a state of emergency and two, a state of public calamity; due to flash floods, inundations and waterlogging, the number of homeless or displaced people has reached 4.438.
Paula Laboissière - Reporter for Agência Brasil
The Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul reported today (18) that 168 municipalities were affected by the heavy rain recorded throughout the state. Of this total, 141 declared a state of emergency and two, a state of public calamity. Due to flash floods, floods and inundations, the number of homeless or displaced people reaches 4.438.
Yesterday (17), it rained throughout the state. There were gusts of wind and hail. The weather forecast for this Friday is that a mass of dry and cold air will reduce cloud cover and cause temperature drops.
The government of Rio Grande do Sul announced that the federal government is expected to transfer R$ 14 million to municipalities next week. The funds will be used to restore essential services, such as fuel for heavy machinery and social housing assistance.
The Ministry of Planning has also allocated R$ 40 million for road repairs, according to the state government. The funds will be released after an analysis of a survey being prepared by the Autonomous Department of Highways, which will be delivered to the federal government within 20 days. The document will indicate which highways will require repairs due to problems caused by the storms.
To date, R$ 17 million has already been made available by the state and the federal government for relief and humanitarian aid efforts, including the distribution of cleaning, hygiene and sleeping kits, roofing tiles, food items, water and medicine.
According to the president's agenda, released on the morning of this Friday (18), she will fly over the affected areas tomorrow (19).