Which cities in Rio Grande do Sul received emergency recognition?

Brazil's National Civil Defense (Defesa Civil Nacional) officially recognised the state of emergency for four municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul: Ametista do Sul, Frederico Westphalen, Nova Bassano and Santa Tereza. The storms that triggered the declaration hit the region from 25 July onwards, bringing heavy rainfall, gale-force winds and flooding.

What damage did the storms cause?

The severe weather left hundreds of people homeless across the four cities. Related reports indicate that more than 59,000 people were affected by rains across Rio Grande do Sul at the peak of the crisis, with 206 municipalities impacted by the extreme weather overall.

What does emergency recognition mean in practice?

Once the Ministry of Regional Integration and Development publishes the recognition decree in the Diário Oficial da União (Official Gazette), the affected municipalities gain access to federal funds for two purposes:

  • Humanitarian assistance to displaced and affected residents.
  • Reconstruction of damaged infrastructure and housing.

How does a city qualify for emergency status?

To obtain recognition, a municipality must first file a formal declaration through the Integrated Disaster Information System (Sistema Integrado de Informações sobre Desastres). It must also submit a work plan detailing planned Civil Defense actions on the ground. Federal authorities then review the submission before publishing the decree and releasing funds.

Key Facts:
  • Four RS cities recognised: Ametista do Sul, Frederico Westphalen, Nova Bassano and Santa Tereza.
  • Storms began on 25 July, bringing heavy rain, high winds and flooding.
  • Hundreds of residents were left homeless in the four municipalities.
  • Over 59,000 people affected across Rio Grande do Sul at the height of the event.
  • 206 municipalities in RS were impacted by heavy rains overall.
  • Federal funds are released after publication in the Diário Oficial da União.