Bento Gonçalves and Cotiporã declare emergency after heavy rains

The municipalities of Bento Gonçalves and Cotiporã in Brazil have declared a state of emergency following severe rainfall on September 21. The heavy storms caused significant infrastructure damage, including landslides, flooding, and the destruction of bridges. In Bento Gonçalves, rainfall exceeded 153 millimeters, leading to the suspension of activities at two schools and one health unit.

In Cotiporã, local authorities reported that the rainfall was the heaviest of the year. The damage includes destroyed roofs, damaged roads, and washed-out bridges. The mayor of Cotiporã, José Carlos Breda, estimated that losses from the recent storms could exceed R$ 2 million.