According to local authorities, the death toll from heavy rains in southern Brazil has reached 36 as a tropical cyclone wreaks havoc in the region, causing flooding and swelling rivers. Videos obtained by Reuters show streets and rivers flooded and houses submerged in the small town of Mucum in Rio Grande do Sul state. Nearby cities like Lajeado and Roca Sales have also been severely affected.
One survivor, Dominguez Fontana, a 74-year-old sawmill worker, shared his experience of escaping the flooding in Mucum, where he lost everything. He emphasized the importance of fleeing from danger to save lives. The rainfall briefly paused on Tuesday, but Climatempo, a weather forecaster, predicts more rain on Wednesday and Thursday. However, the showers are expected to dissipate by Sunday, although the state remains on alert for further floods.
In recent times, Brazil has experienced numerous natural disasters. Earlier this year, over 50 people lost their lives in Sao Paulo state due to heavy downpours causing landslides and floods. Petropolis, a colonial-era city near Rio de Janeiro, Bahia state, and Santa Catarina, a neighboring state to Rio Grande do Sul, have also suffered from similar calamities. On Tuesday, another victim was confirmed in Santa Catarina.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed his support for Rio Grande do Sul by speaking with Governor Eduardo Leite and offering the federal government’s complete assistance. Lula dispatched two ministers to oversee search and rescue operations, and Vice President Geraldo Alckmin is ready to travel to the heavily impacted Rio Grande do Sul state, which is home to approximately 11 million people.
Reporting by Eduardo Simoes and Gabriel Araujo; Editing by Kylie Madry, William Maclean, and David Gregorio
Credit: The Star : News Feed
