Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil - May 3, 2024

In a heroic effort amidst relentless downpours, approximately 72 dogs were rescued on Friday in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The city has been besieged by heavy rains, prompting a swift response from rescue teams to safeguard the stranded animals.

Responding to the urgent situation, teams mobilized a truck to transport the rescued dogs to a shelter located in the Restinga neighborhood, situated in the southern zone of Porto Alegre.

Efforts to rescue more animals are currently underway, as the threat of flooding persists. With ongoing rescue operations, the number of dogs separated from their owners or removed from high-risk areas is anticipated to rise.

The Civil Defense issued a dire warning of "extreme flooding" along the Guaiba River for a duration of 24 hours. Residents are urged to steer clear of riverside areas and vulnerable locales.

Compounding the crisis, Gate 14 of the flood control system collapsed on Friday, exacerbating the flooding along Sertorio Avenue in the northern zone of the capital. Mayor Sebastiao Melo (MDB) underscored the severity of the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for caution and preparedness.

Distressing images circulated on social media depict inundated training centers belonging to both Internacional and Gremio football clubs, alongside submerged landmarks such as the bus station and the historic city center.

As the city grapples with the aftermath of the deluge, nearly 500 individuals find themselves displaced, seeking refuge in three established shelters across Porto Alegre. Mayor Melo indicated plans to establish additional shelters to accommodate the growing number of displaced residents.