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Brazil Unveils $10 Billion Aid Plan for Flood-Hit Rio Grande do Sul, 154 Dead

May 17, 2024, 06:18 PM

Brazil's government has announced a package of measures aimed at supporting those affected by the historic floods in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The floods have caused significant devastation, resulting in at least 154 deaths and displacing 620,000 people. The Brazilian Chamber of Deputies approved a three-year suspension of Rio Grande do Sul's debt payment to the Treasury. Additionally, the government unveiled a 52 billion reais ($10 billion) aid plan and is considering further measures. Plans for 'tent cities' to house the displaced are underway. The cost to rebuild the state is expected to be higher than initially thought, potentially hitting the budget by at least $2.6 billion. The President of the United Arab Emirates has announced humanitarian aid, with the first aircraft already en route to Brazil. Flooding has also slowed cargo movement at Rio Grande Port.