In Southern Brazil, the worst flooding in nearly a century has caused the death of 39 people, with 68 more missing.
The relentless torrential rain pounding the state of Rio Grande do Sul has caused widespread destruction and displacement, forcing more than 24,000 people to flee their homes as floodwaters engulf cities.
Significant disruptions in essential services like electricity, water, and communications have further exacerbated the crisis, leaving communities in chaos and desperation, as reported by the Associated Press, citing the civil defence agency.
This recent catastrophe marks the fourth environmental disaster within a year, following previous floods in July, September, and November of last year, which claimed the lives of 75 individuals, according to the news agency.
The breakdown of internet, phone, and electricity connections added to the plight of residents struggling to reach out to loved ones elsewhere in the country, compounding the sense of isolation and helplessness in the affected areas.
In scenes reminiscent of apocalyptic nightmares, helicopters have been tirelessly navigating over inundated cities. At the same time, families, including children, await rescue on rooftops, highlighting the urgency and scale of the ongoing crisis.
The dam collapsed at a hydroelectric plant between Bento Goncalves and Cotipora on Thursday, submerged entire cities in the Taquari River valley, including Lajeado and Estrela, and intensified the disaster’s impact.
Further away in the town of Feliz, approximately 50 miles from the state capital of Porto Alegre, a swollen river washed away a vital bridge connecting it to a neighbouring city, severing crucial transport links.
Isolate Neumann, 58, a resident of Lajeado, described the unprecedented floods as akin to a ‘horror movie,’ recounting the community’s frantic efforts to erect barriers using sand and gravel in front of hospitals to stem the rising waters.
Despite her neighbourhood avoiding inundation, essential services like running water and electricity remained elusive since Tuesday, prompting her to collect rainwater for basic needs like cooking. Her clothing store in the city centre was not spared, submerged under the floodwaters, leaving her uncertain about the extent of the damage.
The heavy rainfall, which commenced on Monday and is forecasted to persist until Saturday, has been attributed by Marcelo Seluchi, chief meteorologist at the National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters, as unprecedented in recent memory, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity during a press conference amidst a visit from Japan’s Premier Fumio Kishida, acknowledging the state of Rio Grande do Sul’s plight and emphasising the unprecedented nature of the rainfall, marking a historic meteorological event in Brazil’s history.
The widespread devastation, loss of lives, and displacement underscore the urgent need for national and international support and intervention to aid the affected communities in their recovery efforts.
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