Rains in RS: resident of Canoas reports “collective nightmare”

Canoas (RS), a city located in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, is experiencing a true “collective nightmare” due to the heavy rains that hit the state, resident and journalist William Martins told CNN. William says that the situation he is experiencing is one of “dread”.

According to the resident of Canoas, half of the city is submerged, with large neighborhoods such as Matias Velho, home to around 100,000 inhabitants, completely taken over by water.

The floods were so fast that many residents did not have time to evacuate, becoming trapped in their homes and needing to wait for rescue.

Residents seek shelter in safe places

The scenario is desperate, with people being rescued and sheltered in safe places. By the end of yesterday, the city of Canoas had opened 30 shelters to receive the displaced.

Martins reports that he is hosting relatives at his home, as his father's residence, located in the Matias Velho neighborhood, was completely flooded.

The city's streets turned into rivers, with water reaching the roofs of bus stops and residents using jet skis to get around. Furthermore, the lack of electricity and internet signal makes it difficult to communicate and request help.

Appeal for help and assistance

Faced with this critical situation, the residents of Canoas are appealing for help and assistance from the authorities.

Martins is grateful for the opportunity to give visibility to the drama that the population is facing and hopes that the public authorities will act quickly and efficiently to minimize the damage and help the homeless.