RIO DE JANEIRO: The toll from heavy rains in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has surged to eight dead and 21 missing, regional authorities reported on Wednesday, as rescue efforts continue amidst ongoing inclement weather.
The heavy rains have caused widespread devastation, displacing approximately 1,400 people across more than 100 municipalities in the state. Civil defense officials have relocated the majority of affected residents to shelters, as Governor Eduardo Leite emphasized efforts to locate the missing and ensure the safety of vulnerable areas.
“Unfortunately, there is more rain forecasted for today,” Governor Leite lamented on social media, underscoring the persistent threat posed by adverse weather conditions.
The torrential rains have severed vital lifelines, leaving some communities isolated due to collapsed bridges and obstructed roads. Access to at least 20 areas along state highways has been restricted amid concerns of further infrastructure collapse.
Rescuers have faced tough challenges in navigating difficult conditions to reach stranded families. Many persons have been trapped in their homes, with some forced onto rooftops as waters surged. Despite ongoing rescue operations, the inclement weather has hindered search efforts.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has pledged federal support in collaboration with state and municipal authorities to address the crisis. Expressing solidarity with affected communities, President Lula emphasized the need for collective action to confront the impact of climate change, which he identified as a contributing factor to the calamity.
Amidst the chaos, essential services have been disrupted, with approximately 130,000 residents lacking access to clean drinking water. Additionally, telecommunication networks have been crippled in at least 60 municipalities, further compounding the challenges faced by affected populations.
The catastrophic weather events in Rio Grande do Sul follow a pattern of extreme weather across Brazil’s south and southeast regions. In late March, torrential rains in southeastern Brazil resulted in widespread devastation, claiming at least 25 lives in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espirito Santo.
