Heavy rains which caused widespread flooding in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul have left hundreds of towns under water.
At least 85 people have died in the floods and about 150,000 have been displaced alongside an estimated 500,000 people without power and clean water, officials have said.
The floods have destroyed roads and bridges in several cities triggering landslides and leaving a path of destruction. Some towns remain isolated and hopes of finding the more than 130 people who are still missing are dwindling.
Drone footage shows flooded buildings in Porto Alegre, #Brazil after heavy rains.
— Earth42morrow (@Earth42morrow) May 6, 2024
Death toll continues to climb. Storms and flooding in #RioGrandedoSul have killed at least 78 people so far#Storm#Brasil#Flood#Flashflood#Rain#Inundacio#Chuva#Weather#Viral#Climatepic.twitter.com/SUJaLbepme
Further heavy rains forecast for this week are expected to exacerbate the crisis.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva asked Congress on May 6 to recognize a state of public emergency.
Here is a list of local charities and organizations working on the ground that you can support, and we’ve included a few non-monetary ways you can help, too. Read on to find out exactly how to help those impacted by the deadly floods.
1. Volunteer on the Ground
The Rio Grande do Sul State Civil Protection and Defense Coordination has created a form for volunteers who wish to work on organizing, selecting, and sorting humanitarian aid donations. Institutions, companies, and groups interested in volunteering can also register.
Fill in the volunteering form.
Streets are flooded after heavy rain in Sao Sebastiao do Cai, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, May 2, 2024. (Carlos Macedo/AP)
Streets are flooded after heavy rain in Sao Sebastiao do Cai, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, May 2, 2024.
2. Donate Resources
The Brazilian government is coordinating donations of bedding, blankets, canned foods, personal hygiene items, and more in Porto Alegre.
Find out more about the items they are needed and where to take them.
Donate to Brazilian Humanitarian Organizations
3. SOS Rio Grande Do Sol
The Brazilian government has created a donation channel to raise funds for humanitarian support for flood victims and for the reconstruction of municipal infrastructure.
Find more support actions for victims and donate now.
4. Scalabrini International Migration Network
This international aid organization has launched a campaign to raise funds for emergency aid, including food, water, clothing, hygiene products, and more.
5. Cáritas Arquidiocesana de Manaus
In solidarity with all the people of Rio Grande do Sul, Cáritas Arquidiocesana de Manaus is promoting a campaign to raise funds to be passed on to the victims of the heavy rains.
6. Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra
The Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) is an autonomous social movement in Brazil that seeks to articulate and organize rural workers and society to achieve agrarian and land reform. MST has created an emergency fundraising campaign to raise money for residents affected by the floods.
Learn + Understand
7. How Are Floods and Climate Change Linked?
You might be familiar with the connection between extreme heat and climate change but what about the link between extreme flooding and the climate emergency?
Understand what floods have to do with climate change.
8. How Does the Climate Crisis Impact Poverty?
From heat waves to hurricanes, the impacts of the climate crisis disproportionately threaten the world’s poorest. Understand the link between the climate emergency and poverty by taking a quiz.
9. Why Protecting Indigenous Communities Can Help Save The Planet
For thousands of years, indigenous communities have protected their lands, respected wildlife, and produced sustainable foods while using resources carefully.
As the world scrambles to reduce the impacts of the climate crisis which has increased food insecurity around the world, we cannot forget this community which uses rich knowledge passed down through generations to help save the planet.
Take our quiz to find out how much you know about indigenous peoples and how much we all can learn from them.
Take Action
10. World Leaders: End The Climate Finance Delay
High-income countries promised to send $100 billion in annual climate support to poorer nations, but they have not delivered yet.
We need them to urgently deliver. Ask key governments to step up and close the climate finance gap by tweeting now.
11. Rich Countries: Climate Reparations Now
Climate disasters are devastating countries like Brazil who’ve contributed the least to climate change. We need big emitters to step up for the world's poorest.
Tell rich countries to deliver urgent climate relief by emailing now.
12. Raise Awareness
If you can’t donate at this time but want to help, consider sharing this article with friends, family, or on your social media accounts — it could well end up in front of someone who is in a position to support the relief effort financially.