The number of victims killed and missing due to heavy rains and landslides in Brazil increased sharply

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on May 2 was present in the disaster area to inspect the situation, in the context that the Rio Grande do Sul state government declared a state of emergency. Rescuers are currently trying to find dozens of people missing in the rubble of collapsed houses, bridges and roads.

Governor Eduardo Leite said Rio Grande do Sul is facing the worst disaster in the state’s history. Natural disasters affected nearly 150 municipalities in the state, forcing nearly 10,000 people to evacuate. Currently, entire residential areas in Rio Grande do Sul are isolated as persistent rains destroy bridges and roads, leaving towns without even phone or Internet service. Hundreds of thousands of people are without clean water, while classes across the state are suspended. State Deputy Governor Gabriel Souza estimated losses in this disaster at up to 20 million USD.

During a working session with Governor Leite and other officials to quickly deploy rescue work, President Lula da Silva pledged to mobilize all resources to minimize damage caused by severe weather. out in this state. The central government mobilized 12 aircraft, 45 vehicles, 12 boats and 626 soldiers to help clear roads, distribute food, water, mattresses and set up relief tents.

As heavy rain continues, it is forecast that the Guaiba River – the state’s main river, which has overflowed its banks in some areas, will rise to a record high of 4 meters on May 3. The state government urged people to stay away from areas along state highways due to the risk of landslides and that people living near rivers or on hillsides should relocate.

Last September, at least 31 people were killed by a tornado that hit the state of Rio Grande do Sul. South America’s largest country has recently suffered a series of extreme weather events, which experts say could become more likely due to climate change. The flood occurred in the context of a cold wave spreading across the South and Southeast of the country after an extreme heat wave.