The heavy rains that hit Petrópolis on Wednesday (15) and left dozens of dead in the city in the mountain region affected about 300 stores, all in the historic center. The estimates are from the Retail Trade Union of Petrópolis (Sicomércio Petrópolis), announced this Wednesday (16) at CNN.
The stores were mainly affected by the flooding of the Piabanha River, which overflowed. Rua Teresa, the city’s main fashion hub, which attracts buyers from all over the country, had establishments in which the water exceeded two meters in height. The water also reached other important commercial routes in the city, such as Marechal Deodoro, General Osório and Rua do Imperador.
In several parts of Petrópolis, there is difficulty in accessing water, especially in the historic center. Some locations are also without access to electricity. President of Sicomercio, Marcelo Fiorini points out the need to support the sector so that the city can soon resume its routine. However, he recognizes that this cannot be the authorities’ priority at the moment.
“Commerce is closed and we are in the cleaning phase, but there is not even water to wash the sidewalks and stores at the moment. The moment is delicate and we know that the priority is to serve the homeless, homeless and family members. We are supporting this. But, going forward, we will also need support to get the city back to operating closer to normal”, explains Fiorini.
Affiliated to the Federation of Trade in Goods, Services and Tourism of Rio de Janeiro (Fecomércio), the union awaits the announcement of a special line of credit for entrepreneurs responsible for stores affected by the flood, through the State Development Agency (AgeRio) . According to him, the idea is that there is a long grace period for the beginning of the payment.
“It’s the same thing that was done in the 2011 tragedy. Because it’s not just cleaning establishments. Many will have to be redone, will need replacement of stock, paint, furniture, etc. Regarding the fashion hub, the stores most affected were not those that sell clothes, but those that offer materials for them, such as fabric and trim stores”, concludes Fiorini.
In Petrópolis, governor Cláudio Castro (PL) confirmed this Thursday morning that a line of credit will be offered to these traders, and that it will be made available by AgeRio. However, the offer models, values, payment terms and grace period have not yet been announced.
Regarding electricity, the concessionaire Enel highlighted that the network was damaged, not only by the rains, but by the strong winds, and that it works to restore the electricity supply in the city, prioritizing emergency services.
The most affected neighborhoods, according to the company, are Quitandinha, Sergeant Boening and downtown. The company also highlighted that “some sections of the electrical network were destroyed due to the heavy rain and teams from the distributor are working on the reconstruction”.
Photos: Destruction caused by the rains in Petrópolis
Source: CNN Brasil
