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Severe floods in the southern of Brazil

Earth Observation | Copernicus
Floods
Floods in Brazil
Location: Brazil
Credit: European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-2 imagery

The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul has been hit by devastating floods.

According to media reports, as of 7 May, more than 110,000 people have been displaced, in over 500 municipalities, and the local government has declared a state of natural calamity. Heavy rains have caused Lake Guaíba to swell by five metres, threatening the state capital Porto Alegre. After days of extreme events a hydroelectric dam collapsed, causing massive flooding and killing more than 70 people.

The flooded areas around Porto Alegre are visible in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image from 6 May.

The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) Rapid Mapping module (EMSR720) has been activated to assess the consequences of the floods. More details are available here