SAO PAULO, May 17 (Reuters) - The Rio Grande port

authority said the impact of excess rains and heavy flooding on

cargo shipments will only be possible to assess at the end of

the month, according to a statement on Friday in response to

questions from Reuters.

Bad weather has constrained and continues to constrain cargo

movement at Rio Grande, which is the fourth largest in the

country for soy exports and third largest for fertilizer

imports.

On Tuesday, the Rio Grande port authority had set a new draft

of 12.80 meters (41.99 ft) for vessels at three grain terminals.

Despite disruptions, all terminals have continued to operate,

the port authority said.

The Rio Grande port is located in the south of Brazil's Rio

Grande do Sul state, a big grains and meat producer and

exporter.

In recent days, the deadly floods have hampered meat

production and the harvesting of rice, corn and soybeans in Rio

Grande do Sul. The waters hit food silos and affected critical

infrastructure, including access to the Rio Grande port.

According to emergency services, entire towns were submerged

while the water killed livestock and at least 154 people. An

estimated half a million people are dislodged out of a total 2.2

million affected, they said.

Southern Brazil's location at the confluence of tropical and

polar currents has fed periods of increasingly intense drought

and rains due to climate change.

Grain traders which operate in the area have also been

affected directly.

Last week, Bunge temporarily halted its Rio Grande soy

crushing facility and port terminal because forecasters

predicted more rains and flooding in the region.

On Friday, Bunge told Reuters the facilities remain closed

and will only resume operations when it is deemed safe.