Brazil: Flood-related disruptions persist in Rio Grande do Sul as of June 12 /update 9

Flood-related disruptions continue to affect much of Rio Grande do Sul State as of June 12. Heavy rainfall since late April triggered widespread flooding and associated damage and casualties, affecting nearly 2.4 million people across 478 of the state's 497 municipalities. Although drier conditions in recent days have led to floodwaters receding in many areas, widespread disruptions are ongoing across the state. As of June 12, authorities have reported 173 flood-related fatalities and 806 others injured, while another 38 people are still missing. Over 420,000 people remain displaced, of which over 16,000 are being housed in emergency shelters. The state capital Porto Alegre is amongst the worst-affected locations. Operations remain suspended at Salgado Filho International Airport (POA) until further notice due to flooding; authorities have stated that the airport may remain closed for much of the rest of 2024. Commercial flights have been operating at the Canoas Air Base, located around 21 km (13 miles) north of Porto Alegre, since late May due to the ongoing closure at POA. Some routes have been diverted to Florianopolis–Hercilio Luz International Airport (FLN) in Santa Catarina State. As of June 12, 95 municipalities remain in a state of public calamity and 348 in an emergency situation. Hundreds of roads, schools, and other infrastructure have been damaged by the floods. The state has also been affected by a rise in water-borne and other infectious diseases due to the widespread flooding.

The National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) has forecast drier conditions across the region over the coming days; however, lingering disruptions are likely to continue in flood-affected areas for some time.

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 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. 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.

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.