05 Sep 2023 | 09:03 AM UTC
Brazil: Disruptions following severe weather ongoing across parts of Rio Grande do Sul State as of Sept. 5
Disruptions following severe weather ongoing across Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, as of Sept. 5. Casualties and damage reported.
Event
Flooding and other weather-related disruptions are ongoing across parts of Rio Grande do Sul State as of Sept. 5 following the passing of a storm system over the region. The system brought strong winds, heavy rainfall, and hail across much of the state Sept. 3-4. Rainfall totals of more than 20 cm (8 inches) have been recorded in some areas, triggering flooding in some communities, including areas of Bento Goncalves, Caxuias do Sul, Ibiraiaras, Lajeado do Bugre, Nova Bossano, Santo Expedito, and Sao Jorge municipalities. River levels are continuing to rise in many parts of the state and authorities have issued flood warnings for communities along the Antas, Cai, and Taquari rivers.
As of early Sept. 5, authorities have reported at least four storm-related fatalities across the state. More than 200 homes have been damaged and around 350 people have been displaced. Flooding and landslides have blocked roads in at least ten locations across Rio Grande do Sul. Calmer weather conditions are forecast in the region Sept. 5 before another low pressure system is expected to bring further unstable weather conditions Spet. 6-7. Additional heavy rainfall will likely exacerbate the situation due to high river levels and saturated soil, as well as hamper ongoing recovery efforts.
Hazardous Conditions
Further sustained heavy rainfall could trigger additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed or a lack of stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rainfall has saturated the soil. Disruptions to electricity and telecommunications services are likely where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.
Transport
Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel around affected areas. Ponding on road surfaces could cause hazardous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities could temporarily close some low-lying routes that become inundated by floodwaters. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are possible in areas that see heavy rainfall and potential track inundation. Localized business disruptions may occur in low-lying and riverine areas.
Health
Flooding could heighten the threat of disease outbreaks. Backflow from drains mixed with floodwaters can become trapped in open areas when inundations recede. These stagnant pools often become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insect- and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from inundated industrial sites, sewer systems, and septic tanks also poses a significant health threat.
Advice
Monitor local media for updated emergency and weather information. Seek updated information on weather and road conditions before driving or routing shipments through areas where severe weather is forecast. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if routing shipments by truck through the affected area. Stay away from elevated streams, creeks, and other watercourses that are prone to flash flooding. Do not attempt to navigate flooded roadways. Exercise caution in elevated terrain due to the threat of landslides, as well as mountainous regions where avalanches pose a threat. Keep important documents and necessary medications in waterproof containers.
Observe strict food and water precautions, as municipalities could issue boil water advisories following flooding events. Take precautions against insect- and waterborne diseases in the coming days. Review contingency plans and be prepared to move quickly to shelters if evacuation orders are issued. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged electricity outages.
