Massive floods in Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state have claimed the lives of at least 75 people, with 103 reported missing and 155 injured, according to local authorities, Associated Press reports.
More than 88,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes, with around 16,000 seeking refuge in temporary shelters. The floods have caused landslides, washed out roads, collapsed bridges, and disrupted essential services such as electricity and communications. The Guaiba river reached a record level, surpassing levels seen during a historic deluge in 1941.
The state governor has emphasized the unprecedented nature of the devastation and called for significant rebuilding efforts akin to a “Marshall Plan.” Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited the affected areas to assess the situation, emphasizing the need for proactive disaster management. Pope Francis offered prayers for the affected population during Sunday mass.
The floods are attributed to heavy rains, exacerbated by the climate phenomenon El Niño, and underscore the urgency of addressing climate change to mitigate future disasters.
