PORTO ALEGRE.– The tragic toll of the floods in the south of Brazil It continues to climb, reaching the painful figure of 100 people who died this Wednesday. The authorities, in a desperate call, urge those affected not to return to risk areas.
According to the Civil Defense, at least 100 people have lost their lives, while 372 have been injured and another 128 remain missing due to the floods triggered by the overflowing of rivers after the intense rains of the last week in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
Authorities reiterate their warning to residents to avoid returning to affected areas, noting the potential for terrain instability and the health risks associated with contact with contaminated water, which can transmit diseases.
More than 400 municipalities have been affected by this natural disaster, including the state capital, Porto Alegre, where more than 160,000 people have been evacuated from their homes. Preliminary estimates indicate that nearly 100,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, with economic losses exceeding 4.6 billion reais ($908 million), according to the National Confederation of Municipalities.
Although the level of the Guaíba River, which overflowed over Porto Alegre, has begun to decrease, the situation still remains precarious. In various areas, such as Gasómetro, an emblematic tourist spot in the city, the waters continue to rise, making rescue and mobilization efforts difficult.
The logistical challenge is evident, with volunteers using boats to reach those trapped in their homes or who have refused to leave them for fear of looting. The devastation spreads even in areas that now resemble makeshift landfills, with a nauseating smell permeating the air.
“Potential danger”
Meanwhile, uncertainty remains regarding future weather conditions. The National Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) warns of possible storms of “potential danger” in the south of the state, with forecasts of heavy rain and winds until Wednesday, followed by downpours expected from Friday to Sunday in the Porto Alegre region. .
This disaster coincides with the publication of a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which highlights a record of climate dangers in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023, attributed to the El Niño phenomenon and global warming caused by human activity. According to José Marengo, research coordinator of the National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters (Cemaden), the increase in extreme events and the intensification of their frequency are indicative of the climatic reality that Brazil faces, marked by climate change.
Source: With information from AFP
