Emergency situation declared in 28 cities in Paraná

The National Secretariat for Protection and Civil Defense (Sedec), a government agency linked to the National Integration Ministry, confirmed Monday (Jul 20) the emergency situation declared in 28 municipalities in the southern state of Paraná.

The minister announced that an expert has been sent to the area to appreciate the damage and estimate the number of families affected by the downpours. After the data are gathered, government officials will decide how the southern states hit by the floods are to be assisted.

According to Paraná's State Coordination for Protection and Civil Defense, 64 municipalities were hit by the heavy rains over the last days. Overall, at least 51,400 people have been affected, with 543 forced out of their homes, as they were damaged or destroyed.

On Thursday, the Minister for National Integration, Gilberto Occhi, said that humanitarian aid kits are to be sent, comprising items for personal hygiene, cleaning products, basic foods, sheets, blankets, and mattresses. The material has cost public coffers some $270 thousand.

The minister further said that the states of Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul, which have also faced severe flooding, will be assisted by the federal government. Experts from the ministry are in the area helping raise figures and ascertain the number of kits required to serve the population.

Data from a report prepared by the Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul, however, reveal that 63 municipalities were affected, and that 38,228 people were forced from their homes.

In Santa Catarina, where two deaths were reported, over 13,500 people are suffering the aftermath of the rainfall in 52 municipalities.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira