Porto Alegre Airport shut down until further notice due to storms
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In order to maintain the safety of workers and passengers, the Salgado Filho Airport in Porto Alegre, Brazil, has made the decision to halt all operations until further notice. Heavy storms and floods have wreaked havoc in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, resulting in nearly 40 deaths with more expected due to several people still missing.
The consortium managing the airport, Fraport, released a statement announcing the indefinite suspension of landings and take-offs starting from 8 pm on Friday. This step has been taken to ensure the safety of everyone at the airport amidst the state of emergency caused by the relentless rainfall in Rio Grande do Sul. Passengers are advised to reach out to their respective airlines for further details regarding their flights.
The flooding in Rio Grande do Sul has already claimed 39 lives, with 68 people still unaccounted for. More than 8,000 individuals have been rescued by emergency services, while 24,000 are left without homes.
Various airlines, including Latam, Azul, and Gol, have canceled flights to and from Porto Alegre until the situation improves. They are offering rebooking options and updates through different communication channels to help affected passengers.
Governor Eduardo Leite emphasized the critical nature of the situation in the state, urging residents to stay cautious, especially in areas prone to flooding. Despite financial challenges, the government has assured adequate resources will be provided to restore normalcy in affected municipalities.
The joint efforts of local authorities, security forces, and volunteers are crucial in dealing with the aftermath of the storms and ensuring the safety and well-being of the residents. It is a time of resilience and solidarity as the people of Rio Grande do Sul navigate through this challenging period.