Isolated after flooding, Arroio do Meio has stores looted and murdered

Arroio do Meio is one of the cities suffering from floods in Rio Grande do Sul. In addition to being isolated after the collapse of a bridge and with traces of destruction, the municipality faces looting of stores and murder.

According to a report from Gaúcha Zero Hora, who managed to access the city, a person was stabbed to death on Rua Coberta, in the Center, close to where the Civil Defense disembarked people rescued by boat. Witnesses reported that the scene was “absurd”.

In another neighborhood, a man was also shot and is hospitalized in Lajeado (RS) after being transferred by helicopter.

According to the newspaper, several commercial establishments were looted. At a bazaar, only plastic flowers were not taken.

In another store, two employee motorcycles were stolen. “They laughed, they said ‘what a strong bike’. They popped champagne and took a shower,” said driver Darlei Berté, who helped clean the establishment.

“Where the water didn’t reach, people looted,” the driver said.

As the city has been isolated since last Wednesday, the 1st, the food has been arriving little by little by helicopters and by an alternative route through Colinas (RS).

O Earth requested more information about the situation in Arroio do Meio from the Civil Police and is awaiting feedback.

Aerial images show enormous devastation in a city in Rio Grande do Sul:

Tragedy in Rio Grande do Sul

The Government of Rio Grande do Sul updated the numbers in relation to the tragedy affecting the state due to the storms and the flooding of the Guaíba River. At 9am this Monday, 6th, 83 deaths were confirmed – 4 under investigation – and 111 missing.

In total, 850,422 people have been affected by the tragedy. In addition, 345 municipalities were affected, 19,368 people in shelters, 121,957 homeless and 276 injured.

The bulletins are published at least three times a day, and the RS Civil Defense works to rescue stranded and injured people, together with other state authorities.

The integrated rescue force for flood victims received reinforcements this Sunday, the 5th. According to the State, the number of boats used by the Military Fire Department was doubled, reaching 257 vehicles. The security forces fleet also received an additional 526 vehicles. Finally, the number of troops on the front line was increased, with 4,991 military and civilian personnel.

Find out how to donate any amount to the official PIX of Rio Grande do Sul (https://sosenchentes.rs.gov.br/)