On Thursday, Brazil’s government announced an economic recovery package to assist Rio Grande do Sul following severe flooding.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva led these measures to address the devastating damage.
The flooding claimed at least 107 lives, affected over 1.476 million people, and left 136 unaccounted for.
The government’s recovery plan will quickly deliver financial aid to families, small farmers, and municipalities.
Special credit provisions prioritize businesses, and the Bolsa Familia and gas aid payments for May will be advanced.
Furthermore, credit facilities for small enterprises will also receive a funding boost.
During the ceremony, President Lula emphasized the united efforts of government branches to tackle the disaster.
He cited a provisional measure passed by Congress that allocated 50 billion reais (around $9.7 billion) for Rio Grande do Sul’s recovery.
The measures, effective immediately, require legislative approval within 120 days to remain valid.
Meanwhile, the Inter-American Development Bank (BID) pledged up to 5.5 billion reais (about $1.1 billion) in loans to the region.
Of that, 1.5 billion reais ($300 million) will focus on rebuilding infrastructure, employment, and sanitation.
Additionally, 4 billion reais ($800 million) will finance climate adaptation and resilience projects.
BID President Ilan Goldfajn emphasized the urgency while noting the favorable lending terms compared to market rates.
Over the next ten years, BID plans to triple climate change investments in Latin America and the Caribbean from $50 billion to $150 billion.
These rapid measures highlight the strong commitment to meeting Rio Grande do Sul’s immediate and long-term recovery needs.
Such collaboration between national and international organizations aims to reduce present hardships and bolster resilience against future environmental threats.