Over 57 killed, 373 missing as floods devastate southern Brazil

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Unprecedented rains and flooding in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil have left a trail of devastation, with at least 57 fatalities and 373 individuals missing. According to civil defense reports released on May 4, 74 others have been injured in the catastrophic floods that have impacted 281 municipalities.

In response to the crisis, local authorities have declared a state of calamity in areas where over 67,000 people have been affected. The displacement of nearly 10,000 individuals has necessitated the opening of more than 4,500 temporary shelters, as confirmed by civil defense statements.

Concerns about the integrity of dams under the strain of unprecedented water levels have prompted vigilant monitoring, though officials have assured the public that there’s no immediate risk of collapse. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva convened with regional leaders overseeing relief efforts on Thursday to coordinate responses.

Locals form human chain to help aid works rescue stranded people

Human Chain- People in the south of Brazil unite in a chain to save people after heavy flood hit the Brazil. #Brazil #flooding pic.twitter.com/nsvHPt7iUS

— Gaurav kochar (@gaurav_kochar) May 5, 2024

Governor Eduardo Leite characterized the situation as “a historic disaster,” emphasizing the urgent need for rescue operations despite significant material losses. Distressing images depict floodwaters engulfing entire neighborhoods, with rescue teams utilizing inflatable rafts to evacuate stranded residents and their pets.

Saturday morning brought heightened alarm as water levels in Guaíba Lake surged five meters due to relentless rainfall, posing a threat to Porto Alegre, the state capital.

The recent events in Brazil are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather occurrences worldwide. In Dubai, record-breaking rainfall has disrupted daily life, while Southeast Asia grapples with dwindling reservoirs amid scorching temperatures. In Kenya, floods and heavy rainfall have claimed nearly 200 lives and ravaged communities along swollen riverbanks.

These incidents underscore the escalating impact of climate change, with last year marking the hottest on record. Global temperatures have surged 1.2 degrees Celsius beyond pre-industrial levels, fueling a rise in high-intensity hurricanes and prolonged heatwaves. Scientists warn of a heightened risk of storms stalling over affected regions, leading to catastrophic flooding and prolonged devastation in their aftermath.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow