As the rain persisted, rescue teams continued efforts to locate numerous missing individuals amidst the wreckage of collapsed infrastructure.
In Rio Grande do Sul, rising water levels posed a threat to dams and put the city of Porto Alegre at risk of “unprecedented” flooding, authorities cautioned.
Governor Eduardo Leite issued a sobering statement on Friday, urging residents to brace for worsening conditions, particularly in the metropolitan area. The capital city, home to approximately 1.5 million people, witnessed flooding as a result of prolonged heavy rainfall.
The state’s civil defense department reported storm damage across 265 municipalities since Monday, with 74 injuries and over 24,000 displacements, a third of whom have sought refuge in shelters. Additionally, 68 individuals were reported missing, and over 350,000 experienced property damage.
The crisis extended to dam safety, with officials highlighting four dams in a state of emergency, at risk of collapse.
The level of the Guiaba River surged significantly, rendering measurement impossible as gauges were swept away, stated the mayor of Porto Alegre. Authorities raced to fortify flood defenses as water levels continued to rise.
Elsewhere in the state, communities found themselves isolated, lacking basic amenities like drinking water, telecommunications, and electricity. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visited the affected region, pledging comprehensive support in response to the disaster, which he attributed to climate change.
The federal government dispatched resources, including aircraft, boats, and over 600 soldiers, to assist in relief efforts such as clearing roads, distributing essential supplies, and establishing shelters. School closures were implemented statewide.
(With inputs from agencies)
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