Since April 29, the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has been battered by continuous heavy rains, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency and issue ongoing flood warnings. According to the Brazilian Geological Survey, this is the most severe flooding since 1941, with water levels in some cities reaching their highest in 150 years.

Cities waterlogged, Services Disrupted, Disease Threat Looms

The heavy rains have caused rivers to overflow, turning affected cities into waterlogged zones. Even in areas with many high-rise buildings, flooding has disrupted transportation, internet, electricity, and water supplies. As of May 19, 496 cities have been affected by the heavy rains, with authorities reporting 150 deaths and nearly 600,000 people displaced.

Brazil has already recorded four million dengue fever cases this year, resulting in 2,000 deaths. The prolonged standing water from the floods raises fears of further disease spread.

8,500 Kilos of Relief Supplies for Flood Survivors

The nearest Tzu Chi office to Rio Grande do Sul is in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, about 842 kilometers (about 523 mi) away. This is closer than Tzu Chi’s offices in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, Brazil. On May 7, Tzu Chi volunteers in Ciudad del Este procured 8,500 kilograms (about 9.4 tons) of relief supplies, including rice, flour, and noodles. Since access to Rio Grande do Sul is currently restricted, the volunteers have enlisted the help of the Ninth Fire Brigade of Paraná State to deliver relief supplies into the affected areas, aiming to provide urgent assistance to the flood victims.

Stroy by Tzu Chi Foundation