Heavy rains in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul have led to devastating floods, with the death toll climbing to at least 78, local authorities reported on Sunday. Over 115,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, highlighting the urgent need for rescue and recovery efforts.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, along with key members of his cabinet, arrived in Rio Grande do Sul on Sunday to coordinate with local authorities on the ground. Lula emphasized the need to overcome bureaucratic hurdles swiftly, declaring it a war-like situation requiring post-war measures, echoing the sentiments of Governor Eduardo Leite.
Volunteers have been crucial in the ongoing rescue operations, utilizing boats, jet skis, and even swimming to reach stranded individuals. Fabiano Saldanha and his friends in Porto Alegre have undertaken daring rescues, saving around 50 people using jet skis in the flooded areas of the city.
The scale of the disaster continues to unfold, with 105 people reported missing on Sunday, raising concerns about the possibility of further casualties. The state civil defense authority is also investigating additional deaths possibly linked to the storms, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The impact of the flooding extends across the state, affecting over two-thirds of its cities and leaving a trail of destruction. Roads and bridges have been washed away, landslides triggered, and a hydroelectric power plant dam partially collapsed. With over 400,000 people without power and a third of the population lacking access to water, the challenges are immense.
In Porto Alegre, the situation is exacerbated as the Guaiba lake breaches its banks, reaching unprecedented water levels. The international airport has been shut down since Friday, adding to the disruptions caused by the disaster.
Survivors recount harrowing experiences, such as Kaeli Moraes, who, along with her family, was rescued just as floodwaters threatened to engulf their home. In Canoas, Julio Manichesque, 76, reflects on his decades-long residence, now transformed by the deluge, expressing disbelief at the scale of the catastrophe.
Amidst the chaos, global solidarity emerges, with Pope Francis offering prayers for the people of Rio Grande do Sul during his weekly address in Vatican City. As the community rallies together to confront this unprecedented crisis, the resilience and compassion of individuals shine through, offering hope in the face of adversity.
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