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© Daniela Barcellos/ Palácio PiratiniFloods in Porto Alegre
Heavy rainfall in Brazil has caused flooding in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, displacing over 1,000 people in Porto Alegre. Flooding in Uruguay was also reported and almost 200 have been displaced in northern departments.

Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

As many as 1,500 people are homeless after a storm brought torrential rain and floods to the city of Porto Alegre in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The storm struck Porto Alegre on Wednesday 14 October 2015. Guaíba Lake overflowed, causing flooding in the city. Around 32 mm of rain fell in a 24 hour period. The area had already see a period of heavy rainfall over the previous days, where over 100 mm of rain fell between 08 and 10 October.

Local civil defense authorities say an estimated 12,000 people have been affected by flooding, as of 18 October, 1,500 people were still homeless, many of whom are staying with relatives. Around 600 people are currently staying in temporary shelters, and 230 in the Tesourinha Gym.

Rio Grande do Sul State Civil Defense say that as many as 55 municipalities across the state were affected by the storm last week, and 3 people have died as a result of flooding, according to local media.



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© Daniela Barcellos/ Palácio PiratiniFloods in Porto Alegre, Brazil 18 October 2015.
Northern Uruguay

Meanwhile in neighbouring Uruguay, the National Emergency System (SINAE) reported that the floods were caused by the overflowing of Uruguay River due to recent heavy rains in Brazil.

Prensa Latina said that nearly 200 people were displaced by floods in the northern departments of Artigas, Salto, Rivera and Tacuarembó. The authorities reported the evacuation of 183 people and four domestic routes were suspended due to the waters in those areas bordering Brazil.