Severe Floods in Southern Brazil
In Porto Alegre, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, residents reportedly stood on rooftops hoping to be rescued as others navigated the flooded streets in canoes or small boats.
Death Toll Rises to 78
The floods triggered by torrential rain in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul have killed at least 78 people, so far. According to local authorities, this number could rise as around 105 people have been reported missing as of Sunday, up from 70 the prior day.
Impact of the Floods
- More than 115,000 people have been displaced due to the widespread flooding.
- The storms and floods have affected more than two-thirds of the nearly 500 cities in the state over the past couple of days.
- Over 3,000 soldiers, firefighters, and other rescuers are trying to reach residents who are trapped in their homes without water or electricity.
Rescue Efforts and Support
Civilians formed volunteer groups to gather basic supplies like life jackets and water. Some volunteers also used boats, jet skis, and even swimming to help in ongoing rescue efforts. Fabiano Saldanha and three friends have used jet skis to save about 50 people from flood waters since Friday.
Government Response
State governor Eduardo Leite, flanked by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, described the situation as a “war scenario” that will require post-war measures. President Lula arrived in Rio Grande do Sul to discuss rescue and reconstruction efforts with local authorities.
Climate Change Impact
Climatologist Francisco Eliseu Aquino called the situation in Rio Grande do Sul a “a disastrous cocktail” of climate change and the El Nino effect. He explained that the region’s geography intensifies the interactions between tropical and polar air masses, leading to more unstable atmospheres and severe storms.
