Rio Grande do Sul receives disaster relief funds and FGTS access

The Brazilian National Civil Defense has authorized the release of R$ 3.1 million to support recovery and response efforts in seven municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul affected by recent disasters. The funds are designated for Alegrete, Arroio Grande, Faxinal do Soturno, Paim Filho, Santiago, São José do Norte, and São Lourenço do Sul.

In Caxias do Sul, the federal government has also enabled the ‘saque-calamidade’ (calamity withdrawal) from the FGTS fund due to the impact of severe storms. Residents of Caxias do Sul can access up to R$ 6,220 through a digital process via the FGTS application, provided they meet residency and balance requirements.

The recent storms in the Caxias do Sul region caused significant damage, including four fatalities and hundreds of displaced persons, leading the local government to declare a state of emergency following historic rainfall levels.