Brazil: Flood-related disruptions persist in southern regions as of May 11 /update 6

Flood-related disruptions will likely persist in Rio Grande do Sul through at least mid-May. Flooding has killed at least 116 people and injured 756 others, while another 140 are missing. Over 400,000 people have been displaced, and 1.9 million have been affected. Approximately 70,000 people are living in shelters. As of May 11, operations at Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) remain suspended until further notice. Public transport, including in Porto Alegre, is severely disrupted. Flood waters have cut off towns across the region. At least 431 of the state's 497 municipalities have reported damage. Power outages are impacting multiple locations. The governor of Rio Grande do Sul has declared a state of calamity.

As of May 11, the National Institute of Meteorology has issued further severe weather alerts for southern Brazil. An orange warning for heavy rain has been issued for May 11. Officials have warned of further electricity cuts and flooding. Officials are likely to update warnings in the days to come. Warnings are available here.

Further 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.

Health
Stagnant pools of water during and after flooding increase insect- and waterborne diseases, such as dengue fever, cholera, and malaria. Exposure to raw sewage and other hazardous materials mixed with floodwaters poses a severe health threat.