Rio Grande do Sul hit by extreme rains, bridge collapse and school closures

Heavy rainstorms swept the western part of Rio Grande do Sul on 28 June, dumping up to 200 mm in 24 hours in Porto Xavier. The floodwaters tore away a bridge that links the Taquarussu and Linha Baixa communities, stranding vehicles and forcing a rescue of a driver trapped on a floating car. Similar deluges were recorded in at least nine municipalities, with accumulations of 139 mm in Jaboticaba and wind gusts up to 90 km/h in Porto Xavier. The surge damaged roads, submerged houses, destroyed bridges and cut off rural routes, leaving dozens of residents isolated. Authorities suspended classes in several towns—including Porto Xavier, Redentora, Campo Novo and Sede Nova—as the damaged infrastructure hampered transport and safety. Emergency crews used tractors, boats and helicopters to evacuate people, restore access and provide medical assistance. The state’s civil defence warned residents against crossing flooded bridges and urged prompt reporting of emergencies.