CurrentReport Blog In a harrowing turn of events, Brazil’s southern region finds itself grappling with the aftermath of deadly storms, which have claimed the lives of at least 10 individuals, with 21 others still missing, according to the Brazilian civil defence agency’s latest report.
The state of Rio Grande do Sul, particularly hard-hit by the calamity, has been forced to suspend classes as flooding and mudslides wreak havoc across the region. Governor Eduardo Leite, speaking on the severity of the situation, described it as “dramatic,” emphasizing the urgent need for assistance in rescuing those trapped in inundated homes.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva had planned to visit the state to assess the damage firsthand and provide federal funding, but the dire circumstances have necessitated a delay in his visit. Governor Leite’s somber assessment underscores the gravity of the crisis, with forecasts indicating ongoing rainfall until Saturday, exacerbating the already perilous conditions.
The toll on communities has been significant, with over 4,400 residents evacuated and 107 cities declaring a state of emergency. In Santa Maria, a major city in the state, a mudslide occurred on Wednesday, further compounding the devastation as rivers overflowed, washing away vital infrastructure such as bridges and roads.
This year’s extreme weather events in Rio Grande do Sul follow a series of nine extratropical cyclones in 2023, which claimed over 100 lives due to flooding and mudslides. The recurrence of such tragedies underscores the pressing need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters and safeguard vulnerable communities.
