The government of Santa Catarina has updated its emergency list due to ongoing rains, now including 161 cities in a state of emergency.
This information was published in the State Official Gazette on October 11. Following this, President Lula convened a meeting with his ministers.
In this meeting, they discussed the heavy rains in Santa Catarina and also the Amazonas drought. Lula said the federal team is ready to help state and local governments.
The National Institute of Meteorology INMET gave a warning on October 11. They said intense rains would hit the south of Brazil, including Santa Catarina.
The risks include property damage and transportation disruptions. Governor Jorginho Mello prayed for divine help on social media. He specifically prayed for protection against the bad weather.
People have posted pictures and comments on social media. These posts show disrupted transportation and property losses due to the rains.
Background
This isn’t the first time Santa Catarina has faced such weather issues. The state has a history of dealing with heavy rainfall and the problems it brings.
Moreover, the Amazonas region is also grappling with drought, indicating extreme weather conditions in Brazil.
This raises questions about the country’s preparedness for climate change.
President Lula’s quick response indicates the gravity of the situation. His call for federal assistance might also be a clue about the scale of needed help.
The social media activity also points to how the issue directly affects residents.
Governor Jorginho Mello’s prayer suggests the situation has reached a point where divine intervention is sought.