Brazil: Disruptions ongoing as flooding continues to impact Rio Grande do Sul State as of May 7 /update 5

As of May 7, the death toll continues to rise as flooding brought on by severe weather continues to impact southern Brazil. Heavy rainfall since April 29 has resulted in widespread flooding, telecommunication disruptions, and landslides in Parana, Rio Grande do Sul, and Santa Catarina states; Rio Grande do Sul is the worst affected, especially Porto Alegre, which has been cut off by floodwaters. Rescue efforts are continuing across the city. Officials have confirmed that the severe weather has killed at least 95 people and injured 372 others, with at least 131 people missing across Rio Grande do Sul State. Additionally, almost 1.5 million people have been affected, with almost 208,000 displaced, and the governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite, has declared a state of calamity for 180 days.

A dam of the 14 de Julho hydroelectric power plant in Cotipora Municipality, between Cotipora and Bento Goncalves cities, has partially collapsed and will likely suffer further damage. The Blang, Dal Bo, and Santa Lucia dams also risk rupturing. The Taquari and Cai rivers are also in danger of flooding, and authorities have advised residents in the vicinity and downstream of the rivers and dams to evacuate the area. Almost 140 sections across 60 highways are totally or partially closed. Damaged or flooded roads or bridges have isolated several towns. Extensive power outages and water are affecting more than 1.4 million people across the region. Around 48 cities also do not have telecommunications or internet services. Authorities have warned residents to avoid contact with floodwaters due to the risk of diseases, including Leptospirosis.

As of May 7, operations at Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) in Porto Alegre remain suspended until further notice. Rio Grande port is operating normally, but main access roads are impassable, disrupting deliveries to the port.

As of May 7, Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has issued red storm warnings (the highest on the three-tier scale) for far southeast Rio Grand do Sul and orange storm warnings across the rest of southern Rio Grande do Sul. Officials could update and extend the coverage of the relevant weather alerts over the coming days. Further rainfall is likely to exacerbate the situation and hamper rescue and recovery efforts.

Sustained heavy rainfall could trigger further flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams, and creeks. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems. Sites downstream from large reservoirs or rivers may be subject to flash flooding after relatively short periods of intense rainfall. Landslides remain possible in hilly or mountainous areas, especially where heavy rain has saturated the soil. Power outages and disruptions to telecommunications services will likely occur where significant flooding, landslides, or strong winds impact utility networks.

Floodwaters and debris flows could render some bridges, rail networks, or roadways impassable, impacting overland travel in 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.

Severe weather could further trigger intermittent flight delays and cancellations at regional airports. Authorities will likely temporarily suspend port operations or close beach fronts along the Atlantic coast if strong winds trigger hazardous sea conditions. Flooding could block regional rail lines; freight and passenger train delays and cancellations are probable in areas with heavy rainfall and track inundation. Localized business disruptions will likely occur in low-lying areas.