TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Sao Paulo donated US$50,000 (NT$1.62 million) to Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state for disaster relief at a ceremony in Caxias do Sul on Friday (May 10).

Since the end of April, heavy rain has caused floods in the state, affecting 441 cities, per CNA. As of May 12, the state has reported 136 deaths and 537,000 displaced persons.

The state’s main airport in Porto Alegre has been closed, with no reopening date announced.

In a speech, TECO director Luís K. J. Fong (馮光中) said Taiwan often faces natural disaster threats and sympathizes with Rio Grande do Sul's situation. The Taiwanese government and people are willing to assist disaster victims within their capabilities, embodying the spirit of "Taiwan Can Help," Fong said.

He said Taiwanese communities in Brazil and overseas have collected supplies and donations, which are being delivered to the disaster area through the Brazilian Post and shipping companies. The director said he believes that with the help of Brazil's central and local governments and other sectors, Rio Grande do Sul will return to normal.

Gustavo Paim, the deputy head of the State Civil Office, accepted the donation. Paim expressed deep gratitude to the Taiwanese government for its timely assistance, saying that the donation would bring help and warmth to the disaster victims.