Resident reports difficulties after house is flooded in Lajeado (RS)

History and Geography professor Bruno Cavalheiro, resident of Lajeado, in Rio Grande do Sul, reported the difficulties he faced after having his house flooded by the heavy rains that hit the state.

In an interview with CNN on the morning of this Friday (10), Cavalheiro said that he had to remove his furniture and abandon the property with the help of family and friends, while water invaded his residence.

According to the professor, the situation in the city and the region as a whole is very difficult. He described a “scenario of chaos and despair,” with many poor families facing great hardship and shelters full.

“Unfortunately, the poorest families are those who end up having the greatest difficulties. The shelters here in Lajeado are super crowded,” she lamented.

Lack of planning and information:

Cavalheiro also criticized the lack of planning and information about flood levels in the region. According to him, during the crisis, people did not know where the 30, 35 or 40 meter heights were, which made evacuation difficult.

“We didn’t know where the quota was. This began to appear as a result of the university here in the region and the public bodies organizing it. But unfortunately this was during the catastrophe,” he reported.

Voluntary help and hope for recovery:

Despite the difficulties, Cavalheiro highlighted the strength of the people and the unity to overcome the critical moment. He cited the example of a local company that is cleaning homes and businesses, using its own equipment, to help with the resumption of activities.

“They are doing this work with schools, with companies, to try to bring about a little resumption of some of the activities, not necessarily thinking about the economy, but about life”, he stated.

Despite the loneliness and the hope that the situation will be reversed as soon as possible, Cavalheiro reinforced the need for a prevention plan and respect for nature to avoid future tragedies.