São Marcos issues emergency alert over imminent dam collapse risk

Authorities in São Marcos, Rio Grande do Sul, have issued a high-level emergency alert following the imminent risk of collapse of the Arroio São Luiz dam. The risk was identified after heavy rainfall, totaling 174mm in 24 hours, caused cracks and leaks in the structure's spillway and buttress.

In response, the State Civil Defense issued a cell broadcast alert, and approximately 60 buildings, including the Antônio Pessini Municipal Elementary School, have been evacuated. Residents in high-risk areas, such as Linha Humaitá, are being instructed to leave their homes. The water utility Corsan has activated its Emergency Action Plan (PAE) and is conducting continuous monitoring of the structure.

Separately, various municipalities in Brazil are managing environmental and infrastructure challenges. In Apucarana, a major storm with winds up to 125 km/h caused significant damage, prompting a task force to clear fallen trees. In Rio Branco, a cleanup operation removed over 120 tons of waste from the Vitória neighborhood. Meanwhile, Niterói is progressing with a R$ 7.3 million urban redevelopment project in Santo Antônio to improve drainage and mobility, and Arroio do Sal has launched a summer operation to manage bulky waste collection.