Brazil: Since June 16, heavy rains have battered the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, causing widespread damage across more than 90 municipalities. The severe weather has led to the deaths of two people, with one more person reported missing.

The storms have displaced over 2,900 people, while around 1,500 have sought refuge in emergency shelters. Major issues include flooding, landslides, and blocked roads. Several towns—such as Santa Maria, Lajeado, and Canoas—have been particularly hard hit, with five rivers exceeding their flood levels.

In the capital, Porto Alegre, the Guaíba River is rising but has not yet reached the critical flood level of 3.6 meters. However, Civil Defense authorities warn that the situation could worsen in the coming days.

Tragic incidents include the death of a woman in Candelária after her vehicle was swept away by floodwaters, and a man who died in a similar accident in Nova Petrópolis.

A red alert for continued heavy rainfall remains in effect through June 20, as a coastal cyclone intensifies the weather conditions.

Although drier weather is forecast to begin on June 21, the risks remain high due to saturated soil and elevated river levels. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are considering declaring a state of emergency.

A Civil Defense bulletin issued Thursday detailed significant damage in numerous municipalities, including flooding, landslides, collapsed bridges, and impassable roads. The most affected areas include Santa Maria, Encruzilhada do Sul, Cachoeira do Sul, Arvorezinha, Jaguari, and Santa Cruz do Sul.