Brazil: Floods in Rio Grande do Sul - United Nations Situation Report, as of 25 June 2024

This report covers the period from 14 June to 25 June. The next report will be issued in 10 days or earlier if the situation deteriorates. This report consolidates the contribution of UN agencies in support to response efforts led by government to assist the population impacted by the floods.

KEY MESSAGES

Forecasts of rains for the incoming days maintain alerts in Rio Grande do Sul.

Amid early recovery efforts, hundreds of thousands of people remain displaced, despite a decreasing number of people in shelters.

UN agencies and civil society continue collaborating with national and local authorities to provide support in key response areas.

SITUATION OVERVIEW

As of 19 June 2024, the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil, continues to face the consequences of the unprecedented flooding that began in late April, which has entailed large-scale assistance to a significant number of people. According to the latest report from the state’s Civil Defense, approximately 388,000 people remain displaced, with around 10,500 in 227 official shelters. The disaster has resulted in 177 reported deaths, with 37 people still missing.

The extensive flooding has also caused significant damage to infrastructure and livelihoods, with over 4,500 kilometers of roads, avenues and highways affected, complicating transportation and logistics. The agricultural sector has been significantly impacted, with an estimated 2.7 million hectares of soil losing fertility, equating to almost the entire land size of Belgium, according to a Brazilian science institute (EMATER). The economic impact is expected to be severe, with Rio Grande do Sul facing zero or negative economic growth until August, potentially losing up to 4.2 per cent of its forecasted growth.

Rapid needs assessments conducted in shelters reveal critical needs for clean drinking water, and basic emergency supplies such as mattresses, blankets, clothing, personal hygiene items, and medical supplies.

In the capital city, water levels have receded, enabling the reopening of basic services, including the main bus terminal. While this has improved transportation and logistics, the international airport is expected to remain inoperative until December, forcing thousands of passengers to take flights to other capital airports or smaller airports in nearby cities.