Floods in Rio Grande do Sul have become a recurring challenge, but technology is playing a crucial role in mitigating their impacts.
The integration of advanced technologies is transforming the response to floods in Rio Grande do Sul, saving lives and reducing damage. With the continued evolution of these technologies, the ability to manage and mitigate natural disasters will become even more efficient.
This article will present how floods have affected the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and how technology has helped during this sad time for the southern region of the country.
How the floods affected Rio Grande do Sul
Floods are devastating natural disasters that frequently affect various regions of the world, causing material damage, loss of life, and significant socioeconomic impacts. The state of Rio Grande do Sul was no exception. Since April 27th, the state has been facing the worst flood in its history , leaving entire communities in a state of emergency.
Civil Defense bulletin issued on Tuesday, the 21st, 464 municipalities were affected, with 581,000 displaced people, 72,000 people in shelters, 2.3 million people affected, and 161 deaths. The floods caused widespread damage, flooding urban and rural areas, destroying homes, interrupting electricity supply, and disrupting the supply of drinking water. The magnitude of the floods highlighted the urgent need for effective measures to address and manage their consequences.
The impacts of the floods in Rio Grande do Sul are already greater than Hurricane Katrina , which hit New Orleans (Louisiana) in the United States in August 2005. According to reports, in New Orleans the total length of flooded roads was 2,400 kilometers, while in Rio Grande do Sul the flooding reached a total of 3,800 kilometers. Furthermore, many municipalities in the southern state no longer exist, and it is unknown how many cities will need to be relocated.
Faced with this situation, a wave of solidarity arose throughout the country, with the population mobilizing to help those most in need, both through rescues and donations, as well as the creation of technologies to help during this difficult and sad time for the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Amidst this adversity, technology has played a crucial role, offering innovative solutions to mitigate the effects of this natural disaster.
The worst flood ever faced by the state of Rio Grande do Sul was in 1941. Eighty-three years later, on May 8th, the state faced another one of the worst floods in its history. In 1941, the water reached 4.76 meters above normal, while in 2024 it reached 5.3 meters above normal. Four of the five largest recorded floods occurred in the last eight years. But none had surpassed, until now, the one in 1941.
How is technology helping with the floods in Rio Grande do Sul?
Technology has been helping with floods for some time now. In many countries around the world, technology is an ally in the prevention of natural disasters. For example, in Norway, an artificial intelligence tool uses public administration data to predict , up to seven days in advance, which floods will occur, which roads will become impassable, which public services will be paralyzed, and where people should relocate.
Furthermore, there are companies, startups, and government initiatives focused on developing technologies to prevent natural disasters, mitigate their impact, and help recover affected communities and populations. This creates an ecosystem of multilaterally generated information that contributes to improving the quality and speed of response of authorities in critical situations.
In recent years, Rio Grande do Sul has faced severe floods that cause significant damage. Technology has emerged as a vital ally in addressing these natural disasters. Several innovations are being used to mitigate the impacts of floods and improve the response of authorities and affected communities.
With real-time monitoring systems, such as water level sensors and early warning systems, authorities have been able to predict and respond more quickly and efficiently to impending floods. In addition, drones equipped with high-resolution cameras have been used to map flooded areas, identify victims in hard-to-reach locations, and assist in rescue operations.
The integration of advanced technologies is helping Rio Grande do Sul to deal with floods. Through analysis, it is possible to improve management and understand patterns associated with events and phenomena, as well as work on interventions to prevent people from becoming stranded and risking death due to high water levels.
Artificial intelligence, drones, mobile applications, big data, and IoT are providing powerful tools for disaster forecasting, monitoring, and response. They are also essential for improving the accuracy of early warning systems.
Technology initiatives that are helping flood victims in Rio Grande do Sul.
Floods in Rio Grande do Sul have caused great challenges, but several technological initiatives are providing vital support to victims.
Online platforms and mobile applications have been used to facilitate communication between rescue authorities and affected residents, allowing for the registration of distress requests, the sharing of information about shelters and emergency services, and the coordination of evacuation operations.
Furthermore, technology has been fundamental in providing health services and humanitarian assistance to affected communities; below, we highlight some of these innovations that are making a difference in the floods in Rio Grande do Sul.
Monitoring and Alerting
AI and IoT-based systems and monitoring are used to predict floods and monitor river levels in real time. IoT-connected sensors provide continuous data on river conditions, allowing authorities to issue early and accurate warnings.
Apps are providing real-time alerts about flood risk. These apps use meteorological and hydrological data to notify users of the need for evacuation and provide information on safe routes and available shelters.
Rescue and Assistance
Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras are being used to map affected areas, identify victims, and assess damage. These devices allow for a comprehensive and immediate view of flooded regions, facilitating the coordination of rescue efforts.
Digital platforms are helping to coordinate volunteers and distribute resources. These tools facilitate the organization of rescue teams, the allocation of resources, and communication between different agencies and aid organizations. Here are some initiatives that were created to assist with the flooding in Rio Grande do Sul.
- Missing Person: This is an AI solution that assists in locating missing persons. The platform also provides information about shelters, facilitating access to essential resources.
- Help RS: Allows anyone with internet access to report emergency situations via website or WhatsApp.
- Pet RS: Through the form, the owner registers their lost pet, using good quality photos and filling in specific fields, and adds a WhatsApp contact. Through this, it is possible to gather information to find pets that became lost during the heavy rains.
- SOS RS: An application developed to organize and distribute supplies, as well as coordinate volunteers during floods in Rio Grande do Sul.
3D printers were used to create rescue buoys. Using the printer and two-liter PET bottles, it was possible to create the buoys to facilitate rescue operations between flooded areas, in conditions without current, for the transport of people and animals in flooded areas.
Communication technology
During a flood, communication is crucial. Advanced communication technologies, such as sensor networks and SMS alert systems, ensure that information reaches people at risk quickly. These technologies allow for a coordinated and efficient response, reducing reaction time and potentially saving lives. Among them are:
Collective action by telephone operators
Mobile phone operators have opened their networks for roaming, allowing prepaid and postpaid customers to connect to the internet for free, regardless of their originating operator, to ensure connectivity amidst the floods in Rio Grande do Sul.
Amazonia 1 Satellite
The images produced by Amazonia 1 help in continuous and detailed monitoring, allowing for an accurate assessment of the damage, thus becoming a vital resource for the management of natural disasters.
Starlink antennas for isolated areas
Starlink antennas offer a solution for providing satellite internet in remote locations in Rio Grande do Sul. They are fundamental for re-establishing communication in areas such as Civil Defense, Public Security, health units, schools, and essential public services.
Post-disaster support
Big Data analytics, the analysis of large volumes of data, is helping to understand flood patterns and develop mitigation strategies for the future . With this information, authorities can make more informed decisions about urban planning and water resource management.
The Spanish company Indra has a project called EO4SD that focuses on using satellites to monitor potentially sensitive regions. Using Big Data and Analytics, information is gathered, and the analysis of natural disasters, such as floods or landslides, becomes faster and more efficient.
Smart infrastructure projects are being implemented to improve communities' resilience to flooding. This includes drainage systems, AI-controlled dams, and the construction of dikes in vulnerable areas.
During the heavy rains that occurred in 2022 in Petrópolis (RJ), the city hall partnered with the startup iNeeds System to monitor rocks in high-risk areas . The sensor monitors any movement of the rock and detects landslides in the surrounding area, and this information is sent in real time to Civil Defense.
How can technology contribute to mitigating future natural disasters?
As we face increasingly complex challenges related to climate change and extreme events, it is crucial to continue investing in innovative technological solutions to strengthen our resilience and capacity to respond to natural disasters .
In the future, we can expect significant advances in areas such as artificial intelligence, big data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), which will be essential for improving the accuracy of early warning systems, optimizing resource management during crises, and facilitating post-disaster recovery.
Technology is available to both public authorities and citizens, who can contribute to minimizing the impacts on cities. Technology and data should be used to minimize the impacts of natural disasters.
This makes it possible to improve management and understand patterns associated with events and phenomena, as well as work on interventions to prevent people from becoming stranded and risking death due to floods.
Technological advancements offer powerful tools for predicting, responding to, and recovering from natural disasters, potentially saving lives and reducing damage . As these technologies continue to evolve, the ability to manage crises and protect vulnerable populations will become increasingly effective.
Help Rio Grande do Sul
The state of Rio Grande do Sul is facing the worst flood in its history; many families have lost everything, and now it's time for reconstruction. To help safely, on our blog you can find the article " Floods in RS: Support for Campaigns and Warning against Scams, " where you can find legitimate campaigns to which you can donate safely and avoid scams.
As the water level has begun to recede, many families need help cleaning their homes. Through the "Meu lar de Volta" , you can request assistance or volunteer to help clean residences.
Together we can make a difference for Rio Grande do Sul!
