The death toll from the devastating floods in southern Brazil has climbed to 100, according to the local civil defence agency. Emergency crews are tirelessly searching for dozens of missing people as the region grapples with the aftermath of heavy rains.
Widespread Impact
Nearly 400 municipalities have been affected by the torrential downpours that inundated the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The floodwaters have caused injuries to hundreds of people and forced a staggering 160,000 others from their homes. As of Wednesday, the state civil defence authority reported that 128 people remain unaccounted for.
High Risk of Further Flooding
Brazil’s national centre for natural disasters has issued a warning that the southern part of Rio Grande do Sul remains at “high risk” of additional floods throughout the day. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents to take necessary precautions.
Strained Infrastructure
State Governor Eduardo Leite expressed concern that the human toll could continue to rise. “The emergency is continuing to develop,” he stated earlier this week. In the state capital of Porto Alegre and other areas, only two out of six water treatment plants are operational. Hospitals and shelters are relying on water supplies delivered by tankers.
Presidential Commitment
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has assured residents that there will be no shortage of resources to address their needs. “We understand the difficult financial situation faced by Rio Grande do Sul,” he said during an event in Brasilia. Lula emphasised that the state would receive everything it is entitled to.
Uncertain Dimensions
Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, the exact scale of the floods remains uncertain. “We still don’t know the exact dimension of the floods,” Lula explained. “That will only become clear once the water levels return to normal.”
Massive Mobilisation
Approximately 15,000 soldiers, firefighters, police, and volunteers are working tirelessly across the state to rescue those trapped by the floods and transport essential aid. Additionally, the Brazilian navy is set to deploy its NAM Atlantico vessel – Latin America’s largest – to Rio Grande do Sul on Wednesday. The vessel will carry two mobile water treatment stations to provide critical support to affected communities.
