BRASILIA: A powerful cyclone wreaked havoc in southern Brazil, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 11 lives and the displacement of thousands of residents, according to authorities on Sunday.
The storm struck Rio Grande do Sul state on Thursday and Friday, causing significant damage and leading to the reported disappearance of 20 individuals, although that number has now been revised to 10, officials confirmed.
Among the fatalities was a four-month-old baby, as reported by local media. Distressing footage showed cars being swept away by the cyclone’s ferocious winds, including one vehicle that ended up in a cemetery.
A woman from the town of Sao Leopoldo, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the harrowing experience: “The water came up to our waist inside the house. Thank God, the firefighters arrived quickly and rescued us by boat. It felt like a nightmare,” she shared with Estadao newspaper.
Rescue Operation in Brazil
Helicopters were deployed to evacuate residents from severely affected areas, ensuring their safety amid the devastating cyclone’s aftermath.
In total, 3,713 people were left with damaged homes, while 697 individuals were forced to evacuate due to the cyclone’s passage between Thursday and Friday.
Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite, accompanied by government and rescue officials, conducted an aerial survey of the worst-hit areas on Saturday. In the town of Caraa, where the cyclone caused extensive damage, the governor visited a community center providing shelter to hundreds of affected individuals.
“The situation in Caraa deeply concerns us. It is crucial that we swiftly assess the main affected areas and identify those in need of support in an integrated manner,” stated Governor Leite.
He further informed that state firefighters had successfully rescued approximately 2,400 people in the past two days, emphasizing the primary objective of protecting lives, locating the missing, and providing assistance to affected families.
