Two weeks after the start of severe floods that hit southern Brazil, the city of Porto Alegre is still partly underwater. After the rescues of the first days, some residents decided to stay at home for fear of looting, despite the lack of electricity. Municipal police patrol to deter thieves and provide aid to those who remain.
With our special correspondent in Porto Alegre, Sarah Cozzolino
In the Humaita district of Porto Alegre, an inflatable boat zigzags between the floating fridges and the ends of antennas, a sign that a car is under the boat. The waves rustle as they crash against a nearby iron wall. “ It’s a horror movie soundtracklaments Marcelo do Nascimento, the commander of the municipal police of Porto Alegre. Now imagine that at night, without electricity “.
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They invaded the supermarkets, the shops, everything was looted
From the corner of his eye, Maximiliano watches his bar, at the end of the street, just opposite the Gremio stadium, the biggest football club in Porto Alegre: “ I’m afraid the thieves will climb through the roof and reach the second floor. I already lost everything in my bar, if they steal my place I’m screwed “.
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