Floods and Landslides in Brazil – Update 2

Rio Grande do Sul now faces new storms and low temperatures

As of May 27, 2024, heavy rains and floods continue to cause severe damage in Rio Grande do Sul and disrupt the regular day-to-day activities in the south of Brazil.

We have started to receive instructions on losses in the entertainment and food industries and expect more to come over the next few weeks.

Impact on Agriculture

• Livestock losses: Approximately BRL 250 million / USD 50 million.
• Poultry losses: Over 300,000 birds have died in the affected regions, in the Taquari Valley, responsible for 20% of state production. Inflation is expected in the following weeks.
• Harvest issues: Although no losses of soybean production have been reported, because of the floods there are shipping challenges. As of the end of May, 700,000 tons of rice are considered lost.
• Inflation: The price of rice has already risen by 2.90%, while potatoes increased by 29.37%, and milk has risen by 11.76%.

Infrastructure Damage

• Santa Maria: 74 km of roads are damaged and will have to be repaired.
• Vale do Rio Pardo: The region has been without electricity for 28 days, affecting businesses and the community.
• Porto Alegre: Installation of drainage pumps in the Humaitá neighborhood to drain water. Porto Alegre Airport has been closed since the beginning of the storms.
• Novo Hamburgo: Flooded streets and displaced residents.
• All Rio Grande do Sul Cities: Problems with debris and risk of pests. It is estimated that 47 million tons of debris are spread across the streets of affected cities statewide. The Municipal Urban Cleaning Department (DMLU) has already removed over seven thousand tons of waste from the streets since May 10.
• Dams – The state faces significant concerns about dams. The Hydroelectrical Power Plant (UHE) Bugres—Salto Dam, São Francisco de Paula, is in an emergency, requiring immediate action to preserve lives. Six other dams are on alert, posing safety risks and requiring urgent maintenance. Additionally, eleven dams are under attention, requiring continuous monitoring and possible preventive measures.

Flood Statistics

• Deaths: 169
• People missing: 56
• People injured: 806
• People in public shelters: 55,813
• People displaced: 581,638
• People affected: 2,345,400
• People rescued: 77,711
• Animals rescued: 12,503
• Directly or indirectly affected municipalities: 469 (out of 497)

Health and Risks

• Leptospirosis: 5 deaths, 124 confirmed cases.
• Dengue Disease Crisis: Increase in cases due to water accumulation.
• Respiratory diseases: With falling temperatures, the number of respiratory illness cases has significantly increased, and no hospitals are receiving patients.

Weather and Forecasts

• Extratropical cyclone: Hits the coastal region, bringing heavy rain and winds.
• Rain forecast: Up to 40 mm in the Guaíba basin, with a risk of further flooding.
• Cold: Low temperatures and risk of frost in the Serra Gaúcha.

The situation in Rio Grande do Sul continues to require intensive rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.

The devastating floods and adverse weather conditions have left a trail of destruction, affecting communities, infrastructure, and the state’s economy.

Claims of loss of profits in the entertainment, food, and hospitality markets are to be expected from the insurance market.

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