Death toll from Brazil floods reaches 78, at least 100 still missing

Severe flooding in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has left a trail of destruction, killing at least 75 people over the past week, while another 103 have been reported missing, as announced by local authorities on Sunday.

The persistent rains have also injured 155 people and driven more than 88,000 residents from their homes. About 16,000 people took refuge in temporary shelters, AP News reported.

The floods in Brazil have caused widespread destruction, resulting in landslides, flooded roads, collapsed bridges and disruptions to essential services such as electricity and communications.

More than 800,000 people lack clean water, exacerbating hardship in affected areas.

Rescue efforts are underway, with dramatic scenes of volunteers using boats, jet skis and even swimming to help with evacuations.

Despite these efforts, the death toll from flooding in Brazil continues to rise, while concerns grow over the fate of missing people and the extensive damage caused by the floods.

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President Lula visits affected areas

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, accompanied by key members of his cabinet, arrived in Rio Grande do Sul on Sunday to assess the situation and coordinate rescue and reconstruction efforts with local authorities.

President Lula stressed the need for quick action and promised government support to tackle the crisis, according to Reuters.

During a press conference, President Lula described the situation as a war scenario, underlining the urgent need for measures after the disaster.

Volunteers and emergency workers have worked tirelessly to help those affected, with numerous acts of heroism reported amid the chaos.

The extent of the destruction has led to comparisons with historic floods, with water levels exceeding records from previous floods.

Despite the challenges, President Lula expressed his determination to mobilize resources and implement measures to mitigate the consequences of the disaster.

Climate change and environmental impact

The recent floods in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul are the latest in a series of environmental disasters to hit the region. Previous incidents occurred in July, September and November 2023 and resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction.

Climate experts attribute these extreme weather events to the influence of El Niño, a climate phenomenon characterized by fluctuations in the temperature of the oceans.

El Niño typically brings heavier rainfall in southern Brazil, increasing the risk of flooding and landslides, Aljazeera noted.

This year, the effects of El Niño have been particularly pronounced, contributing to historic droughts in other parts of the country, such as the Amazon.

The increase in both the frequency and intensity of natural disasters underlines the urgent need for proactive measures to alleviate the impacts of climate change.

Suely Araújo, public policy coordinator at the Climate Observatory, emphasized the importance of adaptation strategies to limit the growing risks of extreme weather events.

The devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul are a clear indication of the urgent need for coordinated action to tackle the challenges of climate change and protect vulnerable communities from future disasters.

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, attention must also turn to long-term strategies to build resilience and mitigate the impact of environmental threats.

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Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Floods in southern Brazil kill at least 75 people in seven days, 103 people missing – From Associated Press