Due to the record elevation of the Guaíba River, 4 of the 6 treatment plants of the Municipal Water and Sewage Department are closed
The mayor of Porto Alegre, Sebastian Melo (MDB), asked this Saturday (May 4, 2024) that the city’s population ration water. Due to the elevation of the Guaíba river, the main river in the capital of Rio Grande do Sul, 4 of the 6 treatment plants in the Dmae (Municipal Water and Sewerage Department) are inoperative.
Furthermore, the ETAs (Water Treatment Plants) Ilhas, Moinhos de Vento, São João and Tristeza were shut down due to flooding. There is still no forecast for the resumption of its operations.
According to the director of Dmae, Mauricio Loss, the most serious situation is on the island of Pintada, where part of the station structure was washed away and will need to be rebuilt. “After the waters recede, it will be necessary to assess the physical and electrical damage”he stated.
Sebastião Melo also asked people to stay at home and help with donations, mainly mattresses, to supply the city hall’s temporary shelters, which are already housing more than 2,000 people.
“We are focused on welcoming people, saving lives. We will recover the city because we have joined forces. We have full strength of our own teams and partners serving the population”declared the mayor in an interview with journalists.
HISTORIC FLOOD ON THE GUAÍBA RIVER
The main river in Porto Alegre reached the mark of 5.09 meters this Saturday morning (May 4). The flood is record and led to the flooding of streets and the city’s bus station. There is also the risk of breaking the protective dikes that prevent water from invading more parts of the capital of Rio Grande do Sul.
The situation is the result of heavy rains that have hit Rio Grande do Sul since last Sunday (April 28). In addition to the capital, another 316 municipalities were affected. In all, there are 55 confirmed deaths and 7 under investigationin addition to 74 people missing due to the storm.
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