On Tuesday (11th), the State Government of Paraná promulgated an ordinance that waives for 180 days the need for permits, authorizations and environmental subsidies to carry out emergency works in municipalities where public disasters have occurred. The measure, signed by the Institute of Water and Land (IAT), is primarily aimed at accelerating the recovery of Rio Bonito do Iguacu in the south-central region of the state, which was destroyed by a category F3 tornado last Friday (7th).
- COP30: Protest on second day of meeting injures security guard, prevents exit from negotiating area
- “Today’s Ray”: Bloc uniting 134 countries wins award at COP30 for comprehensive energy transition proposal
According to the IAT, the exemption only applies to interventions considered emergency, such as cleaning up areas, rebuilding homes, and resuming essential services, and only applies to municipalities with certified disaster ordinances. The state government said the ordinance aims to remove bureaucratic hurdles without compromising environmental inspections.
-We are dealing with an emergency situation that requires speed and coordination, said IAT President Everton Souza.
This measure is in addition to the emergency action package announced by Governor Ratinho Jr. (PSD), which foresees investments of up to R$120 million to rebuild the city, including the construction of 320 affordable housing units within 90 days and the disbursement of up to R$50,000 in grants to families in need of home renovations.
On Tuesday, 139 heavy machinery and hundreds of workers were mobilized to unblock most of the city’s streets. Civil Defense said efforts are now focused on clearing debris and freeing access to damaged properties.
Despite progress, traffic still requires caution. Traffic is still restricted in some areas as a lot of heavy equipment is in operation and teams are active in almost all areas.
As of Tuesday evening (11th), 23 people remained hospitalized in the region, five of whom were in intensive care units (ICUs). There are 11 cases in Guarapuaba, nine in Laranjeiras do Sul and three in Cascabel.
The Ministry of Health reported three new patients hospitalized in the past 24 hours, all due to suture infections or injuries sustained during the reconstruction process of damaged homes. According to Civil Defense data, the number of people injured since the disaster has already exceeded 800.
The tornado, which had wind speeds of 300 km/h to 330 km/h, killed seven people and destroyed around 1,500 homes in Rio Bonito do Iguacu, with more than 90% of the buildings damaged. According to a study by the National Confederation of Local Governments (CNM), estimated losses exceed R$114 million.
In addition to sending IAT equipment and technical teams, the state government also mobilized prison labor to help rebuild schools and daycare centers. The Housing Company of Paraná (Cohapar) is negotiating emergency contracts with builders of new homes, giving priority to industrialized construction methods that shorten delivery times.
Although energy and water supplies are beginning to be restored, the municipality remains in a state of public disaster. The federal government is already aware of the situation and is considering lifting the FGTS disaster withdrawal for affected residents.
About The Author
