“55 Dead, 70,000 Displaced as Brazil’s Devastating Floods Wreak Havoc”
Published on: May 9, 2024.
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Raging floods and mudslides have resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 55 people in southern Brazil, according to the country’s civil defense agency. Additionally, around 70,000 individuals have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the catastrophic flooding. The situation is dire, with 74 people injured and 67 reported missing.
The toll does not take into account the two individuals who lost their lives in an explosion at a gas station in Porto Alegre, witnessed by an AFP journalist. Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, the incident occurred while rescue crews were refueling at the flooded gas station.
The state of Rio Grande do Sul is experiencing rapidly rising water levels, which pose a threat to economically significant areas, especially Porto Alegre, a city with a population of 1.4 million. The Guaiba River, which flows through the city, has reached a historic high of 5.04 meters (16.5 feet), surpassing the previous record of 4.76 meters set during devastating floods in 1941.
With the dams strained and residents in danger, authorities have been working tirelessly to evacuate affected neighborhoods. Rescue workers are utilizing various means of transportation, including four-wheel-drive vehicles and jet skis, in their search for stranded individuals within the waist-deep water.
In addition to the large number of displaced residents, over a million people are currently without access to clean drinking water as a result of the flooding. The extent of the damage is described as incalculable by civil defense officials.
Governor Eduardo Leite of Rio Grande do Sul has emphasized the need for significant investment to rebuild the state after this catastrophic event, referring to it as a “Marshall Plan.” This investment, he believes, will be crucial in restoring the state’s prosperity.
As people attempt to board buses for safety, long queues have formed throughout the affected areas. Unfortunately, bus services to and from the city center have been canceled for the time being.
The international airport in Porto Alegre has suspended all flights indefinitely since Friday. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva shared a video showcasing a dramatic rescue in which a soldier was lowered onto a house via helicopter. Using a brick, the soldier managed to create an opening in the roof and save a baby wrapped in a blanket.
One survivor, Joao Guilherme, a 23-year-old salesman, managed to reach the state capital but lost his cell phone in the process. He expressed deep shock and a sense of disconnection due to the lack of communication with his loved ones.
Given the rapid rise of the floodwaters, Greta Bittencourt, a 32-year-old professional poker player, expressed her unease and fear. The swiftness of the flooding has left many individuals shaken and anxious about the unfolding situation.
