The worst climate disaster: Rampant floods engulf southern Brazil
Brazil experienced its worst climate disaster on Thursday, as rampant floods resulting from heavy rains in the past hours hit the country, according to authorities.
Brazilian authorities announced that heavy rains in the southern part of the country in recent days, resulting in catastrophic floods and landslides, have left at least 29 dead and 60 missing.
In the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where President Luis Inácio Lula da Silva promised government assistance, the damages are widespread.
These damages range from massive landslides to the flooding of houses and cars underwater, to rescue operations conducted in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions.
Rescue teams attempted to evacuate dozens of citizens stranded in the waters as houses, cars were submerged, farms destroyed, and numerous roads collapsed.
Governor Eduardo Leite said this was “the worst climate disaster” ever to hit his border state with Uruguay and Argentina.
He added, “I would like to express my deep regret for all the lives we have lost. There are currently 29 deaths recorded, and I know with great pain that there will be more,” especially with 60 people still missing.
A previous toll released Wednesday by authorities reported 10 deaths and 21 missing.
At the end of March, heavy rains in southeastern Brazil resulted in the deaths of 25 people in the states of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo.
Southern Brazil and its southeast are currently affected by a cold front after an intense heatwave.”
