Flooding In Brazil: State Of Emergency Declared In Rio Grande do Sul

International News Regarding The Flooding In Brazil – State Of Emergency Declared In Rio Grande do Sul

The death toll from heavy rains in Brazil’s southernmost state is rising, with more rain expected. President Lula flew over the area and promised government resources to help. Authorities in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul declared a state of emergency on Thursday after torrential rains caused floods and mudslides, killing at least 29 people and leaving 60 missing.

Storm damage has impacted nearly 150 municipalities, displacing over 10,000 people from their homes.

Governor Eduardo Leite stated that the southern state was experiencing “the worst climate disaster that our state has ever faced.”

Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva flew over the affected areas and held emergency talks with Governor Leite in Santa Maria.

Lula promised that “there will be no lack of human or material resources” to alleviate the suffering caused by the extreme event in the state. In some areas, the flooding has rendered entire communities inaccessible.

The downpours have inundated many parts of Rio Grande do Sul, destroying bridges, impeding traffic, and leaving towns without phone or internet service.

A dam at a small hydroelectric plant burst on Thursday, cutting off power to over 300,000 people, according to the state’s main utility company.

Meteorologists predict more rain in the region and warn that the main Guaiba River, which has overflowed its banks in some areas, will continue to rise until Friday.

The downpour began Monday, with some areas receiving more than 150 millimeters (6 inches) of rain in 24 hours on the first day alone. The National Weather Institute reported that the region was suffering from the effects of a natural weather phenomenon known as El Niño.

El Niño has historically caused droughts in Brazil’s north and heavy rains in the south.

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