The municipality of Nova Santa Rita, in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, declared a state of emergency after a storm struck the city in the early hours of Monday (21st), causing damage throughout the city.
According to a report released by the municipality, 500 homes had their roofs blown off and four were completely destroyed. In addition, 40 large trees fell, blocking 15 streets and avenues.
The city hall distributed tarps to the affected population and suspended classes at three municipal schools hit by the storm. A humanitarian center is receiving residents who need to stay away from their homes.
Winds of up to 100 km/h knocked over three trucks that were parked at a distribution center in the city.
Tarps are also being distributed in other cities in Rio Grande do Sul, such as Pelotas, where the extreme weather event also caused roofs to be blown off, as well as the falling of trees and utility poles, power outages and water shortages due to the interruption of operations at five water treatment plants.
In Rio Grande, winds reached 113.7 km/h, knocking down trees and utility poles and blowing off roofs in various parts of the municipality. A crisis cabinet was established in the city to coordinate recovery efforts and define priorities.
The latest report from Civil Defense shows that the storm caused damage in 119 municipalities. Two people died and three are missing.
