São Sebastião do Cai, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil – A state of calamity has been declared in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul as heavy rains have caused catastrophic flooding, leaving at least 56 people dead and 67 missing. The floods have inundated farmlands and roads, affecting thousands of residents in the region.
The civil defense authorities have reported that 74 people have been injured in the floods, which have impacted 281 municipalities in the state. Over 67,000 people have been affected, with nearly 10,000 displaced and 4,500 seeking refuge in temporary shelters.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with local officials to oversee relief efforts in the affected areas. Governor Eduardo Leite described the situation as a historic disaster, emphasizing the urgent need for rescue operations to assist those still awaiting help.
Images show murky floodwaters reaching rooftops in some areas, prompting rescue teams to employ inflatable rafts to evacuate residents and their pets. The rising waters in Guaíba Lake have raised concerns, with authorities warning of a potential threat to the state’s capital, Porto Alegre.
Rio Grande do Sul has experienced a rise in extreme weather events in recent years, with this year’s death toll already surpassing records set during a previous sub-tropical cyclone. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events are attributed to the climate crisis, driven primarily by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels.
The warming global temperatures have contributed to a rise in high-intensity hurricanes and tropical cyclones, leading to more frequent heatwaves and prolonged droughts. Scientists warn that these trends will continue to escalate, posing greater risks to communities worldwide.
As the world grapples with the impact of climate change, it becomes imperative for governments and global leaders to prioritize measures that mitigate its effects and safeguard vulnerable populations. The ongoing devastation in Rio Grande do Sul serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for decisive action to address the growing climate crisis.