The devastating floods in Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state have claimed the lives of seventy-five individuals, with over 100 still unaccounted for, as per local authorities’ latest update on Sunday.
The state has witnessed unprecedented floods that have displaced more than 80,000 residents and left 101 people missing. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and his cabinet members have visited the affected areas to coordinate rescue and rebuilding efforts.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to save those stranded by the floods, using various means like four-wheel-drive vehicles and jetskis to navigate the rising waters. Dramatic footage shared online shows daring rescues, including a soldier saving a baby from a rooftop.
The storms have wreaked havoc across nearly two-thirds of the state, causing landslides, road destruction, and power outages. More than a million people are facing water shortages, highlighting the urgent need for assistance.
The scale of the disaster is immense, with entire cities submerged and critical infrastructure damaged. The resilience of the affected communities is being tested as they await rescue on rooftops while helicopters survey the inundated areas.
Residents describe the situation as surreal, akin to a horror movie, with makeshift barriers being erected to protect vital facilities. President Lula has acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the catastrophe, emphasizing the historic rainfall levels.
The flooding has surpassed records dating back to 1941, with water levels reaching historic highs in some regions. Porto Alegre, the state capital, has been severely impacted, with streets submerged and homes barely visible beneath the floodwaters.
2024-05-05 11:50:09
Article from www.theguardian.com