KATHMANDU: As of Sunday, local authorities in Brazil's southern Rio Grande do Sul state have reported that massive floods over the past seven days have claimed the lives of at least 75 people, with another 103 individuals reported as missing.
The floods have also left 155 people injured, and over 88,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the damage caused by the heavy rains. Temporary shelters, including schools and gymnasiums, are accommodating around 16,000 displaced individuals.
The devastation caused by the floods includes landslides, washed-out roads, and collapsed bridges across the state, along with disruptions to electricity and communications services. More than 800,000 people are without access to water, as reported by the civil defense agency.
Rescue operations are underway, with efforts to evacuate those stranded in affected areas. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva visited Rio Grande do Sul for the second time on Sunday to assess the situation, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to prevent future disasters.
The heavy rainfall, lasting from Monday through Sunday, has been described as the fourth environmental disaster in the state within a year. South America's weather patterns are influenced by the climate phenomenon El Niño, historically leading to droughts in the north and intensified rainfall in the south. Pope Francis offered prayers for the affected population during Sunday mass at the Vatican, expressing condolences for the lives lost and solidarity with those displaced from their homes.
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