Brazil allocates funds to deal with aftermath of heavy rains in Rio Grande do Sul

The Brazilian government has allocated 614 million Brazilian reals (US$120,9 million) to deal with the consequences of heavy rains and storms in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. The money will mainly be used for health care. This is reported by TV CULTURA, a partner of TV BRICS.

“We need to rebuild every house, every bridge, every street, every school, every health centre. We will find the means to do so,” said Paulo Pimenta, minister and head of public relations.

In Rio Grande do Sul, heavy rains and storms have killed at least 83 people and 111 are missing. Some 32,000 people have been left homeless. More than 120,000 residents have been evacuated. The natural disaster affected 345 municipalities with 850,000 people. Houses, bridges and roads have been destroyed in many communities. About 1,000 emergency workers were involved in rescue operations.

Heavy rainfall in the state on the border with Uruguay began a week ago. A delegation led by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in the region amid unfavourable forecasts.

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