Argentina cyclone threatens Rio Grande do Sul with more rain

With floods hitting most of its territory, Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul is expected to suffer from more rain in the coming days, in addition to the abrupt drop in temperature in some places. The state has recorded over 100 deaths due to the effects of torrential rainfall in recent days.

According to meteorological forecasts, an extratropical cyclone that is forming along the coast of Uruguay and the Argentinian province of Buenos Aires will not reach the Brazilian state, but is expected to bring more rain and wind gusts of up to 70 to 90 kilometers per hour.

In the southernmost regions of the state, winds may reach close to 100 km/h, according to the Climatempo institute. This is a concern because falling trees, for example, could cause even more problems to the electricity supply.

The movement of the winds is expected to disrupt the flow of water from the Guaíba River, which could contribute to flooding in the capital, Porto Alegre.

According to Climatempo, most of the state will experience sunny and cold weather on Thursday, without rain. In some places, thermometers may reach 5° C to 10° C at dawn. However, further north, close to the state of Santa Catarina, the weather will be unstable and there is a risk of heavy rain.

“The problem is that from Friday, new areas of instability will form again over Rio Grande do Sul,” warned Climatempo. “There are conditions for frequent rains, the occurrence of storms, and extreme accumulations, especially in the central-northern portion of the state, including regions that have already been severely affected.” According to the institute, climate instability is only expected to leave the state next Monday.

The state government expects floods especially in the already devastated Taquari Valley — the Taquari River reached a record level of over 30 meters.

“It’s not the time to go home, it’s not the time to be in the places that were affected,” said governor Eduardo Leite. More than 200,000 people are out of their homes.

In a video published on social media, the governor asked for donations of blankets and winter clothing for shelters.

Last Tuesday, the Brazilian postal service announced that agencies from other states have joined Paraná, São Paulo, and Rio Grande do Sul itself in the campaign to send donations to the affected municipalities free of charge. Thus, residents of Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, Bahia, Pernambuco, in addition to the Federal District, will also be able to help through this channel.

For international donations, public and private channels are available to receive resources.

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