Severe storm leaves over 700 homeless in Eldorado do Sul, Brazil

A severe storm that struck the Porto Alegre metropolitan area over the weekend caused extensive damage in Eldorado do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul. At least 720 people were displaced after almost 200 homes collapsed, including ten that were completely destroyed. Power and water supplies were interrupted, and schools in the region were closed. The municipal government declared a state of emergency and distributed mattresses, blankets and other essential items to affected families. Defence‑Civil units from Porto Alegre sent vehicles, agents and water trucks to assist, and reconstruction of damaged housing will be funded by state and federal resources.

In Paranavaí, the municipal Defence Civil began visits to remote rural communities to update the local contingency plan, register residents for weather alerts and identify critical road sections, aiming to improve response to future floods.

In Joaçaba, the Defence Civil presented its structure and ongoing preventive actions ahead of the expected El Niño influence, including continuous climate monitoring, risk‑area mapping, cleaning of waterways, shelter identification and public education.

Advice released by the state Defence Civil urges residents to follow alert levels—from yellow to purple—by securing homes, avoiding flooded areas, preparing emergency kits and staying informed through official channels ahead of the forecasted intense rains.