On X, chief minister of the Secretariat of Social Communication of the Presidency Paulo Pimenta confirmed Lula’s return after having visited that territorial division on Thursday.
Likewise, on social media, Lula granted once again that there will be no lack of federal resources for Rio Grande do Sul, which is facing the worst climate disaster in its history, according to authorities.
“The Federal Government is in permanent dialogue with the government of Rio Grande do Sul and with the municipalities to support the region in whatever it takes. We will spare no expense to help the municipalities suffering from the rains and save lives,” the founder of the Workers’ Party assured.
The state-owned Agencia Brasil reported that Lula headed on Saturday a virtual meeting to be updated on the situation. Moreover, at the Alvorada Palace, official residence of the presidents in Brasilia, the progressive leader and ministers discussed, by videoconference, emergency solutions for the state.
Some ministers are already in Porto Alegre, capital of Rio Grande do Sul, where a crisis cabinet will be set up to serve as a base to speed up communication between the federal government and the affected municipalities.
Lula is expected to travel this Sunday accompanied by nine ministers, among them, Finance Minister Fernando Haddad, Health Minister Nisia Trinidade and Education Minister Camilo Santana.
In the territory under stormy weather, the president will meet with Governor Eduardo Leite, mayors and local authorities, with the aim of reinforcing joint work.
“There will be no lack of willingness, budget and work capacity, so that people can rebuild everything that is being destroyed. But, mainly, so that people can save lives and so that all the necessary support, in this dramatic moment that Rio Grande needs, can be offered by the Federal Government,” Pimenta announced.
As of Monday, health, education, energy, connectivity, roads, bridges, ports and airports activities will be intensified in the state, where there are 55 deaths due to floods, 74 are missing and 107 are injured.
The goal of the actions is to ensure the recovery and normalization of the areas affected by the overflows, with the waters receding and support being implemented simultaneously.
ef/omr/oda/ocs
