Rio Grande do Sul está mais preparado para chuvas, diz governador
Governador Eduardo Leite aponta que, apesar das fortes chuvas e da situação crítica em algumas áreas do Rio Grande do Sul, não há previsão de tragédias semelhantes às de 2024. Ele destaca a preparação do estado com equipes e equipamentos reforçados para enfrentar os desafios atuais.
Governor Eduardo Leite of Rio Grande do Sul announced on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, that heavy rains have created a critical situation in some areas of the state, surpassing expected rainfall levels.
Despite this, he indicated that there are no signs indicating a repeat of last year’s devastating floods.
Leite highlighted two fatalities and one missing person due to the rains, affecting at least 68 out of 497 municipalities.
He reported that regions, especially in the northwest, recorded up to 350 millimeters of rain and may continue to face heavy downpours.
Comparing with the 2024 floods, where over 184 lives were lost, he reassured that the state is better prepared this time.
Leite stressed that following the 2024 tragedy, they reinforced Defense Civil, Firefighters, and Military Brigade teams, enhancing their response capabilities.
He noted that areas along the Taquari and Caí rivers were expected to reach flood levels on the same day.
Additionally, he acknowledged that even with better preparation, heavy rains would cause challenges, especially concerning urban drainage issues in the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre.
According to the Secom (Secretary of Social Communication), from May 2024 to April 2025, approximately R$ 111.6 billion were allocated for recovery and prevention projects, with around R$ 89 billion already executed.