Death toll in storm-hit Rio Grande do Sul updated to 116
![116 confirmed dead in storm-hit Rio Grande do Sul — MercoPress 1 Assistance to places only reached by helicopter might be affected by rains during the weekend](https://en.mercopress.com/data/cache/noticias/99598/760x480/fotojet-13-.jpg)
Assistance to places only reached by helicopter might be affected by rains during the weekend
The death toll in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, has risen to 116 due to unprecedented heavy rains causing flooding and destruction. The weather forecast predicts continued bad weather over the weekend, with an estimated 115 millimeters of rainfall expected to exacerbate the current crisis.
Government officials are prioritizing saving lives, assisting victims, restoring communication and infrastructure, and ensuring the supply of essential resources like food, water, and medicine. The situation is described as “very worrisome” by Regional Development Minister Waldez Goés.
Over 2 million people have been directly affected by the storms in 437 municipalities, with thousands evacuated from their homes. The Salgado Filho International Airport in Porto Alegre remains flooded, hindering relief efforts. The federal government has pledged a financial aid package of R$ 50 billion to support recovery efforts.
Severe weather warnings are in place for Rio Grande do Sul, with heavy rains expected to persist, particularly in the central and eastern regions. The state faces challenges in restoring essential services and assisting those in need amid the ongoing crisis.