Heavy rainfall across southern Brazil has caused severe flooding and landslides over the past 9 days, significantly affecting the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Parana, and Santa Catarina.
The most severe impact has been in Rio Grande do Sul, where rising casualties and widespread destruction continue to mount. As of May 9, at least 95 people have died, 372 have been injured, and 131 remain missing. Additionally, more than 208 000 people have been displaced, and at least 1.5 million people have been affected.
The extensive flooding has left over 1.4 million people without electricity and isolated 48 cities from telecommunications.
Widespread severe flooding was reported in Porto Alegre, the state capital. Roads have been rendered impassable across the city, cutting off the capital, and flights at the main airport have been suspended.
Widespread agricultural damage was also reported while analysts anticipate that damage to silos, storage facilities, transportation networks, and ports will hinder grain exports. Rio Grande do Sul is a key hub for the production and export of soy, rice, wheat, and meat.
Satellite imagery acquired on May 8 showed devastating flooding across Porto Alegre, including Salgado Filho International Airport completely flooded.
Authorities are closely monitoring four dams: Blang, Dal Bo, Santa Lucia, and the 14 de Julho dam in Cotipora municipality, which has partially collapsed.
