Heavy rain kills at least 10 in southern Brazil as governor warns of historic disaster
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A flooded road near the Taquari River in the city of Encantado in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on May 1.
BRAZIL – Ten people have died and 21 are missing due to heavy rain this week in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, with the local government warning that the situation is critical and could deteriorate further.
During a press conference on May 1, state governor Eduardo Leite said he had spoken with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to seek all possible federal assistance.
“We are experiencing in Rio Grande do Sul the worst moment, the worst disaster in our history. It is absolutely, absurdly, extraordinarily serious what is happening in Rio Grande do Sul right now,” said Mr Leite. “And unfortunately, it will get worse.”
The President is due to travel to the state on May 2.
Flooding in the city of Encantado in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, on May 1, 2024.
PHOTO: REUTERS
According to the governor, storms have caused the most extensive devastation in the state in recent years, leaving several towns isolated after bridges collapsed and roads were destroyed amid floods and mudslides.
Mr Leite declared the suspension of classes statewide for the remainder of the week and emphasised that he had requested full support from the armed forces “to effectively participate in coordinating this moment, which is akin to facing a war”.
More than 3,400 people have been displaced in the wake of storms, which led to rising river levels and flooding in various parts of the state, affecting 114 municipalities, the authorities said.
In a report on April 30, the state’s government predicted a flood risk “across practically the entire state” given the prospect of continued heavy rainfall in the coming days.
The bulletin also said that flooding would be severe in many river basins, with the possibility of flash floods and landslides in regions with steep slopes. REUTERS
