Rio Grande do Sul floods affect over 59,000 people

Heavy rainfall in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has impacted 59,967 people across 218 municipalities. Of those affected, 488 are homeless and 762 have been displaced. The worst‑hit municipality is Lajeado, where 321 people are in shelters, followed by Encantado (100) and Estrela (26).

The state’s Civil Defense operations will continue until July 31, and the federal government has declared emergencies in 17 municipalities, allowing them to request federal aid for water, food, hygiene kits and other relief. Red flood alerts have been issued for the Sinos, Uruguay and Jacuí rivers, with high‑risk warnings for São Leopoldo, Itaqui, Uruguaiana and Cachoeira do Sul. The national meteorological agency (INMET) has issued a yellow storm alert for the entire state, warning of rain up to 20‑30 mm per hour (or 50 mm per day), winds of 40‑60 km/h and possible hail.