intense rainfall and powerful thunderstorms hit Rio Grande do Sul once more, leading to two fatalities and displacement of approximately 2,000 residents
Unleashed Havoc Across Rio Grande do Sul:
Since June 16, 2025, relentless downpours have battered Rio Grande do Sul, causing an array of devastating consequences. Here's a lowdown on the chaotic situation unfolding in this southern Brazilian state.
As per the Governor Eduardo Leite (PSD), approximately 2,000 residents are desperately seeking new shelter. Since the weekend, certain regions have experienced over 350 mm of precipitation, with a potential for another 120 mm within the next 24 hours.
Heavy rains have left unspeakable destruction in at least 51 cities, causing two confirmed deaths. One unfortunate individual perished after a bridge crash on the Cai river, and another woman was discovered dead in a swept-away vehicle in Candelária. Regrettably, a third individual is reported missing.
The small municipality of Jaguari has been particularly affected, with 600 homes inundated since heavy rains struck. Mayor Igor Tambara (MDB) announced a state of public calamity on June 17, as more than 200 households were flooded by the Jaguari river, and at least four rural inhabitants needed helicopter rescues.
Residents of certain cities like Santa Cruz do Sul, Santa Maria, Cachoeira do Sul, and Encruzilhada do Sul have been displaced due to the floodwaters. In a disheartening echo of last year's floods, Canoas city has again been hit by floods, and schools have been temporarily closed in the western part of the municipality.
Places like Estrela and Lajeado have issued municipal contingency plans due to impending high flood risks. Porto Alegre has already received 108 mm of rain since early Wednesday, and there's a possibility of exceeding the average monthly rainfall, which currently hovers around 130 mm.
- 🌧️ FLOODING CALAMITY
- 🌧️ RIO GRANDE DO SUL
- 🌧️ HEAVY RAINS
P.S.: The National Meteorological Institute (Inmet) has issued an alert for heavy rains in almost the entire Rio Grande do Sul until Thursday, June 19, with potential winds reaching 100 km/h. Be alert for further rainfall or potential flood risks, especially in regions that were already affected by floods last year.
NERDY FACT: In 2024, approximately 150,000 residents were affected by the floods that ravaged the state. In historical floods happening a year prior, 25 individuals remained missing [2].
[1] O TEMPO article on the floods[2] Original source data on the 2024 floods[3] Meeting point of all flooded areas[4] News report on the number of people displaced[5] Daily updated report on the casualties
- In response to the heavy rains and flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, weather-forecasting agencies, such as the National Meteorological Institute (Inmet), have issued alerts for more downpours until Thursday, June 19.
- Residents in areas affected by last year's floods, like Canoas city, should remain vigilant as the weather-forecasting data predicts a potential increase in precipitation, which could lead to weather-related disasters.
