Satellite images show catastrophe in Rio Grande do Sul; See before and after

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Guaíba River reached 5.3 metersGilvan Rocha/Agência Brasil – 03/05/2024

The Amazon 1 satellite of the National Institute for Space Research (INPE) shows the devastating effects of the rain that began last week in Rio Grande do Sul, causing floods that have already left 90 dead and 361 wounded, as well as 132 missing. (See images below)

To date, 388 municipalities have been affected, affecting 1.3 million people. Of these, 155,000 are homeless and 48,000 are in shelters. 

Ground observation in Rio Grande do Sul has been hampered since April 29 due to clouds, but the available images highlight three areas: Porto Alegre, Vale do Taquari and the basin of the Soturno, Jacuí and Jacuizinho rivers.

The Taquari Valley has emerged as one of the regions most affected by the recent floods, encompassing more than 40 cities. The Taquari River, in particular, has surpassed historical marks, reaching more than 30 meters in height. Mayors’ accounts describe the cities as “destroyed,” reflecting the devastation wrought by rising water levels.

In the area of the Soturno, Jacuí and Jacuizinho rivers, the images reveal a drastic change in the course of the rivers, resulting in flooding that severely affected local communities. The tragedy manifested itself strongly, with reports of dozens of deaths and countless missing, including cases in São João do Polesine, Silveira Martins and Pinhal Grande.

This climate disaster is considered the worst in the state’s history, surpassing past events. The Guaíba River, in Porto Alegre, reached the mark of 5.02 meters last Saturday (4) and renewed the record by 5.3 meters on Monday (6). This record surpasses the previous record of 4.76 meters, set in 1941, making it the highest flood ever recorded in the history of the capital of Rio Grande do Sul. The city is facing serious flooding, with points such as the bus station and the municipal market submerged.

On Tuesday (7), the state’s Civil Defense updated the level of the rivers at 8 am:

  • Guaíba – Porto Alegre – 5.27 meters
  • Taquari River – Muçum – 7.44 meters
  • Caí River – Feliz – 3.51 meters
  • Uruguay River – Uruguaiana – 9.71 meters

Despite the temporary pause in the rains since Sunday, the concern persists, as new storms are forecast for Wednesday (8). 

See the before and after

Porto Alegre:

Taquari Valley:

Soturno, Jacuí and Jacuizinho Rivers:

 Sinimbu:

Triunfo:

The light blue area represents the flood and the dark blue area represents the normal course of the river.

 

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