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Highlights
- According to the last Brazilian census of 2022, Rio Grande do Sul is the 6th biggest state in population in Brazil, with over 10,8 million people in 497 municipalities.
- The Guaíba river registered its biggest flood since 1941 on May 4th, 2024 reaching 5,30 meters height.
- Rio Grande do Sul state declared a level III public calamity (highest level of emergency) for 478 municipalities, including in the capital Porto Alegre.
- As of June 26 2024, the Social Development Secretariat of Rio Grande do Sul State reported 7,747 people still in shelters distributed in 168 shelters in 49 cities. It is worth noting that the majority of displaced families are still staying with relatives or friends, with some households hosting dozens of people.
- Shelters are being closed progressively, while people are trying to get back home; the process will be long for several thousands of them, as many of the affected families are extremely vulnerable, living in low lying areas and islands affected by floods.
- On June 3rd UNICEF launched the first safe spaces for children living in shelters with implementing partners ADRA and World Vision, called “Espaços da Gurizada”. UNICEF accessed affected vulnerable communities in islands near Porto Alegre providing technical support to the Water Working Group.
- Since the onset of the crisis, UNICEF coordinates its efforts with the Federal and Local Governments, especially with the National Civil Defense, the Ministry of Social Development, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Human Rights and Citizenship, State and Municipal Secretariats for Social Assistance and Health, as well as the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Public Defender's Office, the National Human Rights Council and the Justice System.