2 minutes ago ⚠️ Continuous floods in Santa Catarina! The Apocalypse has already claimed 51 lives!

As of now, flooding and other weather conditions continue in parts of Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina states. Passage of a storm system over the region. The system brought strong winds, torrential rain and hail, with the state of Rio Grande do Sul the hardest hit. Rainfall totals exceeded 20 cm (8 in) in some areas, causing flooding in 67 municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul state. River levels continue to rise and authorities have issued flood warnings for communities along the Antas, Kai and Taquari rivers. The river Takvari overflowed its banks, As of late in the day, authorities reported at least 21 deaths from the hurricane in Rio Grande do Sul state, most of them in the municipality of Mukum. Access to the municipality was also interrupted since the morning. More than 1,650 people lost their homes and nearly 3,000 were forced to leave their homes. More than 200 homes were damaged and hundreds of people could not be contacted. Floods and landslides have blocked roads in at least ten towns in Rio Grande do Sul. Parts of the federal highway BR-386, which connects Porto Alegre, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, with the north of the state, are impassable due to the flooding of the Tacuari River. Sections of highways BR 116, 285, 290 and 470 are also closed. Hospital San José in the municipality of Arroyo do Mayo was left without electricity and water; Officials have suspended all scheduled consultations and operations. In the state of Santa Catarina, one person died in the municipality of Jupía due to a falling tree. Reports indicate more than 3,500 power outages in the state’s Chapeco municipality. Calm weather is forecast for the region at least next week before a new low pressure system is expected to bring further unsettled weather. Additional heavy rainfall is likely to worsen the situation due to high river levels and saturated soil, and hamper ongoing recovery efforts. Further prolonged heavy rainfall may cause additional flooding in low-lying communities near rivers, streams and lakes. Urban flooding is also possible in developed areas with easily overloaded or absent storm sewer systems. Areas downstream of large reservoirs or rivers may experience flash flooding after relatively short periods of heavy rainfall. Landslides are possible in hilly and mountainous areas, especially where heavy rains saturate the soil. Disruptions to power and telecommunications services are likely when significant flooding, mudslides or high winds affect utility networks. Floodwaters and debris flows may render some bridges, rail networks or roads impassable, making ground transportation difficult around affected areas. Standing on the road surface can create dangerous driving conditions on regional highways. Authorities may temporarily close some low-lying routes inundated by flood waters. Flooding may block regional rail lines; Freight and passenger trains may be delayed and canceled in areas of heavy rainfall and possible track flooding. Local businesses may be disrupted in low-lying and riverine areas. Flooding can increase the threat of disease outbreaks. Sewage backflow mixed with flood water can become trapped in exposed areas as the flood recedes. These stagnant bodies of water often become breeding grounds for mosquitoes and bacteria, increasing the incidence of insects and water-borne diseases. Exposure to contaminated water from flooded industrial facilities, sewage systems and septic tanks also poses a significant health risk. Follow your local media for up-to-date emergency and weather information. Before driving or traveling through areas where severe weather is forecast, check for updated information on weather and road conditions. Plan accordingly for potential delivery delays if shipments are trucked through the affected area. Stay away from high streams, creeks and other waterways that may be flooded. Do not attempt to drive on flooded roads. Be careful in elevated areas due to the risk of landslides, and in mountainous areas where there is a risk of avalanches. Keep important documents and necessary medicines in waterproof containers. Take strict food and water safety precautions as municipalities may issue boil water advisories after flooding.