Taquara, Brazil flood forces evacuations and closes temporary shelter

Over 50 residents were evacuated from the Santa Maria neighborhood of Taquara, Rio Grande do Sul, after the Rio Paranhana rose above 5.5 metres on 29 March. Municipal Defence Civil, fire brigade and public works teams moved families to the Association of Motorists shelter and to the municipal Center of Protection in the Empresa district.

As the river level later fell, the temporary shelter at the Association of Motorists was deactivated, having hosted eight families (18 people) during the peak. Mayor Sirlei Silveira said municipal teams remain on standby to monitor the Rio Paranhana and the nearby Rio dos Sinos, which has also exceeded 6 metres, and to provide assistance as needed.