The death toll continues to rise in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul as heavy rain triggers severe flooding, with at least 78 confirmed dead and 105 reported missing. Over 115,000 people have been displaced by the disaster.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his cabinet have arrived in the affected region to coordinate rescue and reconstruction efforts, acknowledging the magnitude of the crisis. Governor Eduardo Leite describes the situation as akin to a war zone, necessitating urgent post-disaster measures.
Volunteers, including those using boats, jet skis, and even swimming, are aiding in ongoing rescue operations. In Porto Alegre, local resident Fabiano Saldanha and his friends have rescued approximately 50 people using jet skis.
The death toll is expected to rise further as rescue teams search for the missing individuals. The state civil defence authority reports an increase in missing persons from about 70 to 105 within a day.
The flooding has impacted over two-thirds of the state’s cities, leading to the displacement of over 115,000 residents. Infrastructure damage is widespread, with roads, bridges, and a hydroelectric power plant affected by floods and landslides.
More than 400,000 people are without electricity, and nearly one-third of the state’s population lacks access to clean water. The situation is exacerbated by the breach of Guaiba lake’s banks in Porto Alegre, causing record-high water levels.
Local residents recount harrowing experiences of being rescued from flooded homes, highlighting the increasing frequency and severity of such disasters. Pope Francis offers prayers for the affected region during his weekly address in Vatican City.
The city of Canoas witnesses dramatic rescue efforts, with volunteers saving a 76-year-old man who had been stranded on the roof of his house for days. The extent of the damage underscores the urgent need for coordinated relief efforts to assist affected communities in their recovery.
