The Ministry of Integration and Regional Development of the Government of Brazil launched a rapid humanitarian programme called 'Reconstruction Aid' after the devastating floods of May 2024 in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in southern Brazil. The state experienced extreme rainfall of more than 400mm in 72 hours due to which more than 15000 homes were destroyed. The programme is implemented through initiatives in digital governance and social protection and direct cash transfers to affected families. The initiative supported resilient owner-driven reconstruction through specially established engineering guidelines, reducing the number of homes in risk-prone areas through relocation and construction of other community infrastructure resilient to disaster risks. Through consolidating public policies that combine social protection and resilient urban planning, Brazil is advancing towards building a post-disaster housing approach that protects lives and reduces inequalities. Click to Read