Floods devastate Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul; 39 dead, 68 missing

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, leaving at least 39 dead and 68 missing, local authorities said Friday. The death toll is expected to rise as search and rescue efforts continue. Rio Grande do Sul’s Civil Protection Authority said the storms displaced at least 24,000 people, affecting more than half of the state’s 497 cities bordering Uruguay and Argentina.

The torrential rains turned streets into rivers in several cities, causing extensive damage to roads and bridges. Landslides have been reported and there has been a partial collapse of a dam structure at a small hydroelectric power station, leading to the complete flooding of some towns. In addition, authorities have expressed concerns about a second dam in the town of Bento Goncalves, warning that it is at risk of collapse. As a precaution, local residents have been ordered to evacuate to safer areas.

The situation remains critical as rescue teams work tirelessly to locate missing persons and provide assistance to those affected by the severe weather conditions. The state government has mobilized resources to provide relief to the displaced population and address the extensive damage caused by the heavy rains and subsequent floods.