At least 39 people killed and 70 still missing after heavy rains in southern Brazil

Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming the lives of 39 people so far. The death toll is expected to rise as authorities continue to search for 68 missing individuals.

The storms have displaced at least 24,000 residents and impacted more than half of the cities in the state, causing streets to resemble rivers, bridges to collapse, and landslides to occur. A dam structure at a hydroelectric power plant has partially collapsed, while another dam in Bento Goncalves is at risk of failing, prompting evacuations in nearby areas.

In the capital city of Porto Alegre, the Guaiba River overflowed, flooding streets and blocking access to historic neighborhoods. The state’s unique geographical location, where tropical and polar atmospheres meet, has led to a weather pattern of intense rains and droughts, which scientists believe is being exacerbated by climate change.

This is not the first time Rio Grande do Sul has been hit by extreme weather events. Last September, floods caused by an extratropical cyclone claimed over 50 lives, following a prolonged drought due to the La Nina phenomenon.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has visited the affected areas and pledged government support for rescue and reconstruction efforts. As the state grapples with the aftermath of the devastating storms, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of those affected by the natural disaster.