After the unprecedented floods in southern Brazil, the provisional toll shows 100 dead, 128 missing and 372 injured. The number of victims is likely to increase further given the catastrophic situation in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Torrential rains gave way to scenes of desolation with flooded homes, impassable roads and cars submerged in mud. To prevent all risks, the authorities have asked residents not to return to areas still at risk.
Due to the floods, more than 160,000 people had to flee their homes. More than 400 localities, including the regional capital Porto Alegre, were hard hit by these exceptionally violent bad weather. The search and rescue of victims is extremely difficult for rescuers who struggle to cross flooded streets. The authorities also fear a significant health risk. “Contaminated water can transmit diseases,” warned Sabrina Ribas, spokesperson for Civil Defense.
Further rains still expected
Unfortunately, southern Brazil is not done with bad weather. LNational Institute of Meteorology (Inmet) predicts further rain, representing a “great danger” in the south of the state. Intense rains and wind are expected in this previously preserved area. Between Friday and Sunday, Inmet also announces further precipitation in the Porto Alegre region, accompanied by a drop in temperatures.
For several years, Brazil has been strongly affected by extreme climatic events, just like many other countries in South America. In a press release, theWorld Meteorological Organization (WMO), a UN agency, announced that the El Niño phenomenon and human-caused climate change are causing a record number of environmental disasters on this continent in 2023.
Extent of economic damage
If the human toll continues to rise in the region, the first assessments of the extent of the material damage will leave their mark. According to estimates, some 100,000 homes were damaged or destroyed. According to the National Confederation of Municipalities, the economic damage has already reached 4.6 billion reais (around 842 million euros).
The bad weather also brought the entire region to a standstill, particularly the city of Porto Alegre which was completely paralyzed. Port operations are suspended and the airport is still closed indefinitely. The waters continued to rise in the Gasomètre sector, an important tourist site to the west of the city.