The extreme rainfall and flooding in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul have led to a catastrophic situation, severely impacting infrastructure and displacing a significant portion of the population. Whole cities have been isolated and forced to evacuate, with roads destroyed, bridges knocked out, and the main airport in Porto Alegre indefinitely closed. Over 460 of the state’s 497 municipalities have been affected.

Rachel Soeiro, the medical coordinator in Brazil for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), describes the disaster as unprecedented. When surveying the affected areas by helicopter, she noted that in some towns, the flooding was so severe that even the roofs of houses were submerged.

The human toll is immense, with provisional data indicating over 150 fatalities and about 100 people still missing. The flooding has left many without access to water, electricity, and basic services. Over two million people have been impacted, and more than 600,000 have been displaced, with makeshift shelters set up to accommodate those who cannot return home.

MSF emergency teams are focusing their response on assisting the most vulnerable populations. Dr. Soeiro emphasizes the importance of reaching those who were already facing difficult situations before the disaster. MSF is supporting local indigenous health authorities by providing medical assistance, drug supplies, water, and food to indigenous communities in municipalities such as Charqueadas and Canelas. In some instances, communities were isolated for over 10 days without aid.

To address the logistical challenges posed by blocked roads, MSF is working with authorities to organize helicopter transport for delivering essential supplies to isolated areas. In the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, specifically in the city of Canoas, MSF is setting up two mobile clinics staffed with doctors, nurses, psychologists, and health promoters to operate in shelters.

In addition to medical consultations, MSF is offering remote training on mental health first aid to professionals assisting flood victims. The organization recognizes the significant need for mental health and psychosocial support in emergency settings, which is in high demand from both affected individuals and frontline medical professionals.

The situation in Rio Grande do Sul remains volatile, with unstable weather potentially causing further flooding or delaying the return of displaced individuals to their homes. MSF continues to monitor the situation closely and is prepared to adapt its response to address the most urgent needs as they arise.