Brazil floods: Porto Alegre may suffer severe flooding for weeks to come, experts warn
File photo.
Experts warned on Wednesday (May 15) that Brazil'sPorto Alegre (which isthe capital of Rio Grande do Sul state)might suffer severe flooding for weeks to come. According to Brazil's national weather service INMET, parts of Rio Grande do Sulhave seen more than 25 inches of rainso farthis month.
A report by the news agency Reuters said that the waters of Lake Guaiba, which breached its banks to floodPorto Alegre,have risen again this week to 17.13 feet.Thiswas well above the flood level of 9.8 feetand close to last week's all-time record of 17.4 feet.
The report saidthat thefloods devastated dozens of towns island from Porto Alegre, where the downtown area remained underwater.
Death toll inRio Grande do Sul at 149; 108 stillmissing
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A total of 149 people have died in Rio Grande do Sul due to the floodsand108 people are still missing. Citing state officials, Reuters reported that around 250,000 houses are still without power and over 136,000 people have lost access to water.
An initial forecast from theUFRGS Institute of Hydraulic Research (IP) suggested thatthe water could take 35 days to return to normal levels based on the experiences of the flood in 1941.
Also watch |BRICS group of nations pledge billion dollars for Southern Brazil
Experts, meanwhile, said that Lake Guaiba should return slowly to below flood levels within weeks or even by mid-June.Renewed rainfall over the last few days led to a new rise in the Guaiba water level, alertingauthorities to warn residents not to return toareas at risk.
President Lula announces financialaid
Brazilian PresidentLuiz Inacio Lula da Silva saidon Wednesday that the federal government would distribute$992 (5,100 reais) to240,000 familieswhichhavelost their houses or furniture in the floods.
Speaking atRio Grand do Sul'sSao Leopoldo, President Lulasaid his administration will bring forward the payment of some social benefits for the state's citizens while planning to buy homes from the private sector to give to the displaced people.
(With inputs from agencies)