Dam to contain floods in Alto Vale do Itajaí overflows after exceeding capacity in SC; VIDEO
Structure reached 108.9% of capacity; state records deaths, homelessness and damage in several cities
Quick Look
- The Sul Dam, in Ituporanga (SC), overflowed after reaching 108.9% of its capacity due to storms.
- The state is facing flooding, landslides and the confirmation of two deaths, with hundreds of people left homeless in several regions.
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Why It Matters
The Sul Dam in Ituporanga is a flood control structure in the Alto Vale do Itajaí. The region has a recurring history of severe flooding.
The Sul Dam, a structure in Ituporanga (SC) used to reduce the risk of flooding in municipalities in the Alto Vale do Itajaí, historically affected by floods, exceeded its capacity and dawned overflowing this Monday (9). It has been closed since Wednesday (4), when storms with a large volume of rain began.
According to a partial report released by the Civil Defense of Santa Catarina this Monday, a new storm hit the state over the weekend and caused flooding and landslides. The state records 836 affected homes, 278 homeless people and 75 displaced people.
In a statement, the state Civil Defense stated that the overflow began around 11pm on Saturday (7). The process, according to the agency, is a planned process and demonstrates that the dam fulfills the role of flood control.
Around noon, the spillway level was 31.89 meters high, which means 108.9% of the capacity of the dam, which is 31 meters high. Images taken by the municipal Civil Defense showed the situation of the structure at around 11:30 am.
There is no forecast of when the dam gates will reopen. The location continues to be monitored.
The severe storms that hit Santa Catarina since the week caused a trail of destruction. The State Civil Defense confirmed the passage of three tornadoes and two microexplosions in the state. Two people died: a 46-year-old woman in Xanxerê and a 20-year-old young man in Rio Negrinho.
Rio do Sul, also in the Itajaí Valley, is the city most affected over the weekend. The municipality, which has a history of flooding, had 570 homes affected and 189 homeless people, distributed across four public shelters, according to the state Civil Defense.
In Vargem, in the Midwest, 50 people remain homeless. Correia Pinto and Lontras also register homeless people.
In the Midwest, flash floods and flooding hit homes and public structures in Abdon Batista, Brunópolis, Celso Ramos, Vargem and Zortéa.
In Abdon Batista, 46 homes, 11 commercial buildings and two public buildings were affected.
Open Questions
- When will the dam floodgates reopen?
- What is the weather forecast for the next few days in the state?
