Floods in Brazil: The situation has worsened due to heavy rains, floods, and landslides in southern parts of Brazil. According to the State Defense Agency, 58 people have died so far due to the floods. More than 74 people are injured. Due to flood, more than 70 thousand people had to leave their homes.
Apart from this, 67 people are reported missing. Porto Alegre city of Rio Grande do Sul state of Brazil has been most affected due to floods. 300 municipalities have been affected by the storms that have been hitting Rio Grande do Sul since Monday (April 28).
See the scene of devastation caused by floods in Brazil in pictures.
Held responsible for climate change
Brazilian President Lula da Silva has visited flood-affected areas and promised help from the central government. He has also blamed climate change for floods and rains. The Brazilian Meteorological Department has also said that El Nino is responsible for the increasing intensity of rain.
Rivers flowing at a record level
Floods in Brazil: There is a danger of dam collapse due to rain in Rio Grande do Sul state of Brazil. The Guaba River, which flows through the city, is at a record height of 5.04 metres, the highest since 1941. Rescue workers are having trouble rescuing people. Roads have been destroyed and bridges have been washed away due to flowing water.
According to local officials, rescue workers are trying to take people to safe places. Porto Alegre Airport suspended flights indefinitely on Friday 3 May. The Meteorological Department has issued a warning of heavy rain for the coming days.
People lack drinking water
Floods in Brazil: More than 3 hydro plants have been closed due to heavy rains in the city. Due to this, there is a shortage of potable water in the city. 5 lakh people are not getting potable water. Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite said his state would need a “Marshall plan” of massive investment to rebuild after the disaster. We have never seen such a situation to date. This is the worst situation ever in the country.
Porto Alegre city mayor Sebastião Malo advised people to evacuate flood-hit areas after another river in the city, the Gravatai, rose above the danger mark on Saturday. He has assured people of help.
El Nino graphic
