Government actions in combating floods in RS have already totaled R$ 1.5 billion; "We continue to act to save lives," says Lula

247 - President Lula used his social media to inform that the federal government's actions in fighting the disaster in Rio Grande do Sul have already totaled R$ 1.5 billion. The measures involve funds for assisting in the rescue of residents, emergency works, and early withdrawals from social programs.

Additionally, the Minister of the Presidency's Secretariat of Communication, Paulo Pimenta, announced on Monday that about 1 billion reais in parliamentary amendments will be released for Rio Grande do Sul following the heavy rains that hit the state.

The Minister of Finance, Fernando Haddad, also announced that the government will launch an aid package for Rio Grande do Sul, which includes bank credit lines for rebuilding homes destroyed by the heavy rains and floods.

The storms hitting Rio Grande do Sul have left a trail of destruction in the state. There are 85 dead, 134 missing, and 339 injured as of Monday night (6). Currently, 15,000 residents of Rio Grande do Sul are displaced or homeless.