Persistent heavy rains have fueled a third consecutive week of deadly flooding in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, causing devastation in a region that is a key agricultural and economic driver of the national economy. More than 150 people have been confirmed dead, with 104 still missing, and over 600,000 displaced. The floods have affected 2.2 million people out of a population of about 10 million.
Meteorologists attribute the historic floods to global warming, with the Guaíba river in Porto Alegre breaching its banks and reaching a record height of 5.33 meters. The economic impact of the disaster is estimated to shave up to 0.3% off Brazilian growth this year, with officials estimating the damage at around $2 billion.
The region, which produces two-thirds of Brazil’s rice along with other crops and livestock, is facing a long road to recovery as experts warn that it could take weeks for the waters to retreat to normal levels. The flooding has been compared to the impact of Hurricane Katrina on New Orleans in 2005.
Climate change and the El Niño phenomenon have exacerbated the atmospheric conditions, leading to intense rainfall and flooding in the area. While El Niño conditions are expected to weaken and shift to La Niña, there is uncertainty about the strength and timing of this shift. The region’s geographical location and weather patterns make it particularly vulnerable to extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.