The Rio Uruguai’s waters have once again risen in Rio Grande do Sul, bringing both turmoil and resilience to the communities along its banks. For Kimberly Larissa Dorneles, a homemaker from Uruguaiana, the uncertainty looms as she wonders when she can return home. Initially told it would be a matter of weeks before the waters receded, recent reports indicate a prolonged wait as the river swells once more. “At least we’re not out on the streets or rooftops, thank God,” she sighs, finding solace in their current shelter.
The surge in the Rio Uruguai’s levels stemmed from heavy rains in neighboring Santa Catarina, impacting over 2,000 residents in the western border region. In the south of the state, the waters of Lagoa dos Patos have also surged in recent days, disrupting the lives of many, like retired Clair Gomes Rodrigues on Torotama Island in Rio Grande. “I didn’t want to leave. I love it here; it’s where I was born and raised. But it’s getting harder, increasingly so,” he reflects solemnly as the water encroaches ever closer to his home.
In a stark contrast, the metropolitan area of Porto Alegre witnessed a different scene as receding river levels allowed aid to reach previously isolated areas. This past Friday, a community received much-needed provisions and hygiene products, courtesy of the Central Única das Favelas. Since the 2024 flood, this organization has been a steadfast presence, aiding those most affected by the natural disasters. A local resident, visibly anxious at the sight of every impending raincloud, echoes the collective sentiment, “Each rainfall fills us with dread, knowing it could flood our homes. Our youngest hasn’t experienced this yet. We hope she never will.”
The ebb and flow of the Rio Uruguai encapsulate the cyclical challenges faced by the resilient communities of Rio Grande do Sul. As the waters rise and fall, so too does the spirit of those affected, navigating through the uncertainties with a blend of endurance and hope. The shared experiences of loss, displacement, and perseverance bind these individuals together, underscoring the strength found in unity amidst nature’s unpredictable whims.
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