The Brazilian state of Paraíba is grappling with the severe aftermath of heavy rains that struck one week ago. According to the latest official report, 2,374 people are currently displaced from their homes, with an additional 93 classified as homeless. These figures highlight the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The report, released by the Secretaria de Estado do Desenvolvimento Humano da Paraíba (SEDH), indicates that the total number of people affected by the disaster has climbed to 102,359. This impacts a staggering 33,852 families. Officials note the increase from the previous count of 37,400 people is due to updated data submitted by local municipalities to the Civil Defense authority.
A portion of the homeless population is being housed in temporary shelters set up across four municipalities. In Mogeiro, seven families totaling 18 people are staying in a municipal school. Caaporã has one person sheltered in a public market. The city of Santa Rita has accommodated 20 families, comprising 65 individuals, across four different schools. Cruz do Espírito Santo has also taken in one family, though the exact number of people was not specified in the report.
Beyond the shelters, the state is providing social rent assistance to 188 people in nine different municipalities. This benefit is designed to help displaced families secure temporary housing. The municipalities receiving this aid include Ingá, Itatuba, João Pessoa, Pitimbu, São José dos Ramos, Juripiranga, Alagoa Grande, Rio Tinto, and Itabaiana.
Furthermore, a significant number of displaced individuals, 2,186 people, have found refuge with relatives in eight municipalities. This includes families in Cruz do Espírito Santo, Gurinhém, Pilar, and Salgado de São Félix. Other towns like Itabaiana, Itatuba, and Mulungu are also hosting dozens of people in family homes.
The situation remains fluid as authorities continue to assess the full scope of the damage. The initial heavy rains caused widespread flooding, particularly in areas like Santa Rita in the Grande João Pessoa metropolitan region. The state's response involves coordinating shelter, financial aid, and support services for the thousands of affected residents.
The SEDH's situational report provides a critical snapshot of the disaster's impact one week in. With over 100,000 people affected, the scale of the emergency underscores the vulnerability of communities to extreme weather events. The continued need for temporary housing solutions, from public shelters to family support, demonstrates the long road to recovery ahead.
Based on reporting from g1.