In Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, heavy rains have unleashed devastating floods, claiming the lives of at least 78 people, authorities confirmed. More than 115,000 individuals have been forced to flee their homes as a result of the catastrophic flooding.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, along with key members of his cabinet, arrived in Rio Grande do Sul to assess the situation and coordinate rescue and reconstruction efforts with local authorities.
Lula emphasized the urgency of the situation, pledging to overcome bureaucratic hurdles to restore the state’s prosperity.
State governor Eduardo Leite described the aftermath of the floods as akin to a “war scenario,” necessitating comprehensive post-war measures for recovery. Volunteers, including those utilizing boats, jet skis, and even swimming, have been instrumental in ongoing rescue operations.
In the state capital, Porto Alegre, volunteers like Fabiano Saldanha have heroically saved dozens of lives using jet skis, navigating through flooded streets and islands to reach stranded residents. The desperate calls for help echo through the inundated neighborhoods.
However, the grim toll continues to rise, with 105 people reported missing as of Sunday, in addition to the confirmed fatalities. Authorities are also investigating whether four more deaths are linked to the relentless storms.
The scope of the disaster is staggering, with over two-thirds of the state’s nearly 500 cities affected by flooding, destroying critical infrastructure like roads and bridges. Landslides and the partial collapse of a dam have compounded the destruction.
Power outages have left over 400,000 people in the dark, while nearly a third of the population faces water shortages. In Porto Alegre, the Guaiba lake overflowed, reaching historic levels, inundating surrounding areas and prompting the suspension of all flights at the city’s international airport.
Survivors recount harrowing tales of narrowly escaping rising waters. Kaeli Moraes, rescued with her family as floodwaters threatened to engulf their home, expressed despair over the recurring floods, with three major incidents within a short span of time.
In Canoas, near Porto Alegre, Julio Manichesque, 76, was rescued after enduring days on the roof of his home. He described the unprecedented deluge, reflecting the severity of the situation gripping the region.
Pope Francis offered prayers for the afflicted during his weekly address in Vatican City, underscoring the international concern for the plight of those affected by the calamity in Rio Grande do Sul.
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