Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, claiming the lives of at least 78 people, as confirmed by local authorities on Sunday. Over 115,000 individuals have been displaced due to the flooding.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, along with most of his cabinet members, arrived in Rio Grande do Sul on Sunday morning to coordinate rescue and reconstruction efforts with local authorities. In a press conference, Lula emphasized the government’s commitment to swift action, stating, “Bureaucracy will not hinder our efforts to restore the state’s prosperity.”
Governor Eduardo Leite described the situation as akin to a war zone, necessitating post-war measures for recovery. Volunteers have been instrumental in rescue operations, utilizing boats, jet skis, and even swimming to reach those stranded by floodwaters. In Porto Alegre, Fabiano Saldanha and his friends have rescued around 50 people using jet skis, navigating through inundated streets.
However, the grim toll continues to rise, with 105 individuals reported missing on Sunday, a significant increase from the previous day’s count. The state civil defense authority is also investigating four additional deaths possibly linked to the storms. The extensive flooding has impacted over two-thirds of the state’s nearly 500 cities, displacing over 115,000 residents, according to authorities.
