Brazil battles unprecedented floods: Thousands displaced as rivers overflow, with more rain coming
As torrential rains wreaked havoc, over 155 individuals were injured, while the deluge forced a staggering 159,000 people from their residences. Seeking refuge, approximately 16,000 sought shelter in schools, gymnasiums, and other makeshift accommodations. (Image: Reuters)The aftermath of the floods unveiled a scene of utter devastation, with landslides, washed-out roads, and collapsed bridges crippling transportation infrastructure across the state. (Image: Reuters)Reports of electricity and communication outages further compounded the crisis, leaving more than 800,000 individuals without access to clean water, as confirmed by the civil defense agency. (Image: Reuters)Amid the chaos, dramatic rescue efforts unfolded. Many were airlifted from remote areas to safety. Meanwhile, in the town of Canoas, residents banded together, forming human chains in waist-deep waters to ferry stranded individuals to safety. (Image: Reuters)The Guaiba river reached unprecedented levels, surpassing records set during the historic 1941 deluge. State Governor Eduardo Leite emphasised the unparalleled scale of destruction, calling for a monumental rebuilding effort akin to a “Marshall Plan.” (Image: Reuters)Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Defense Minister José Múcio and Environment Minister Marina Silva, toured the inundated streets of Porto Alegre. (Image: Reuters)Meanwhile, Pope Francis extended his prayers to the beleaguered population of Rio Grande do Sul during Sunday mass at the Vatican, urging solace for the deceased and solace for those displaced from their homes. (Image: Reuters)The relentless downpour, which commenced on Monday and persisted through Sunday, inundated vast swathes of the region with over 300 millimeters of rainfall in some areas. (Image: Reuters)This cataclysmic event marks the fourth environmental disaster in the state within a year, following deadly floods in 2023. (Image: Reuters)Experts attribute the extreme weather patterns to the El Niño phenomenon, exacerbating the impacts of climate change. (Image: Reuters)
