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Due to its unique position in the climate transition zone and challenging geography, Rio Grande do Sul faces devastating floods, worsened by the interaction between hot and cold air masses and a complex river basin system that increases the vulnerability of several cities to flooding. frequent and severe.
In early May 2024, a series of floods hit Rio Grande do Sul, destroying infrastructure and displacing communities. This catastrophe is not just an isolated event, but a reflection of the geographic and climatic challenges the region faces due to its unique location.
The state is located in transition zone between tropical and polar air masses, creating a scenario for the meeting of different climate fronts. At the end of April 2024, a mass of cold air coming from Argentina met a mass of hot air dominating Brazil. This encounter did not result in mixing, but in an elevation of the warm air mass, forming an intense cold front. The rapid rise of hot air led to the formation of cumulonimbus clouds, associated with heavy precipitation — more rain, therefore, in an already vulnerable region.
Geography of Rio Grande do Sul further complicates the situation
The geography of Rio Grande do Sul further complicates the situation. With several watersheds, including those in the Taquari Valley and the Taquari-Antas River basin, the region is predisposed to flooding. Cities located in the valleys, such as Mussum, Roca Sales and Encantado, are vulnerable when the rivers, which run parallel to them, overflow their banks.
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The topography of the areas, mostly plateaus that end abruptly in plains, makes water flow difficult, transforming entire valleys into extensions of rivers during periods of intense rain.
Scenario reinforces the urgent need to review water management and urban planning strategies in Rio Grande do Sul
Porto Alegre, the state capital, is historically one of the most affected areas. Located on the banks of Lake Guaíba, the city faces recurring floods. Water from the rivers converges into the lake, which, without sufficient flow to Laguna dos Patos and subsequently to the ocean, ends up flooding the region. Despite containment measures, such as the Muro da Mauá built in 1974, the city remains extremely susceptible to flooding.
This scenario reinforces the urgent need to review water management and urban planning strategies in Rio Grande do Sul, especially in light of climate change that intensifies these extreme events. The current situation not only highlights the region's vulnerability, but also serves as a call for immediate action to mitigate future disasters.
Tragedy announced in the past and present, demonstrates the ineffectiveness of the RS government and also of the respective federal ministry.