The southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul is grappling with devastating floods triggered by heavy rains, leaving hundreds of towns submerged. Tragically, at least 85 people have lost their lives, and around 150,000 residents have been forced to flee their homes, according to officials.
Rescue efforts are underway, but the situation remains dire, with over 130 individuals still unaccounted for and hopes of finding them dwindling. The forecast of more heavy rains in the coming week threatens to worsen the crisis.
Emergency responders have been evacuating the most vulnerable residents, but many communities remain cut off and isolated. The Guaíba river’s overflow has inundated critical infrastructure, including Porto Alegre’s airport, which is expected to remain closed until the end of the month. The river’s water levels have reached a historic high, surpassing records set back in 1941.
The impact extends beyond the airport; the Arena do Gremio stadium, too, bears the marks of the disaster, with its pitch covered in mud.
In surrounding areas like Canoas, the situation is even more dire, highlighting the widespread devastation caused by the extreme weather event.
Experts attribute the severity of the floods to a rare combination of factors, including higher-than-average temperatures, intense humidity, and strong winds. Francisco Eliseu Aquino, a climate expert, emphasized that such interactions between air masses have intensified with climate change, underscoring the urgency of addressing environmental challenges.
