Heavy rains in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul killed 39 people, with another 68 still missing, the state civil defense agency said Friday, as record-breaking floods devastated cities and forced thousands to leave their homes.

Rio Grande

Heavy rains have caused unprecedented devastation in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state, leading to the death of 39 people, with 68 others reported missing. The state's civil defense agency confirmed these figures recently as the region grapples with the aftermath of the catastrophic floods. This disaster has displaced over 24,000 individuals, compelling thousands to seek shelter away from their inundated homes.

Residents of the affected areas have been hit hard, with many losing everything they own to the floods. The relentless storms have not only converted streets into rivers but have also triggered landslides and caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the partial collapse of a dam structure at a hydroelectric power plant. The extent of the destruction has been described by local authorities as the worst ever witnessed in the history of Rio Grande do Sul and ranks among the most severe disasters in Brazil's recent history.

The state of Rio Grande do Sul, positioned between polar and tropical air masses, is no stranger to extreme weather events, alternating between heavy rains and periods of drought. However, according to local scientists, the intensity of these patterns has increased, a change they attribute to the ongoing effects of climate change. In response to the crisis, President Lula has pledged government support for the rescue and rebuilding efforts, emphasizing the nation's commitment to aiding those affected by the floods.



Record-breaking rain hits southern Brazil

These residents of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil's southernmost state, are among thousands who have taken refuge in shelters after being forced from their homes by torrential rains battering the area. I lost everything. I lifted some furniture that I could, but I believe I lost everything. I really am desperate. There are many people who have lost their lives. I raise my hands to the sky and thank God that I'm still alive. Now I'm just asking God to give me another home to live in. The storms have transformed streets into rivers in several towns, as well as giving rise to landslides and the partial collapse of a dam structure at a hydroelectric power plant. According to authorities, dozens of people have been killed and at least 24,000 have been displaced. It's the worst disaster ever recorded in the history of Rio Grande do Sul. Perhaps one of the biggest disasters the country has ever seen, at least in recent history. And it's extremely distressing because the weather has been unrelenting since Monday. The state is situated between polar and tropical atmospheres. Consequently, it experiences a weather pattern with bouts of heavy rain and others of drought. The pattern has grown more intense due to climate change, according to local scientists. President Lula has promised that the government will back rescue and rebuilding efforts.

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