Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul is facing what authorities call its worst disaster in history, as heavy rains and mudslides wreak havoc, leaving 37 dead and 74 missing, according to Al Jazeera.
Rescue teams are working tirelessly to find survivors trapped under debris from collapsed homes, bridges, and roads. Governor Eduardo Leite has declared a state of emergency, recognizing the severity of the situation and the likelihood of the death toll rising further.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has promised full support to the affected region, ensuring ample human and material resources to aid in recovery efforts. Federal assistance has already been mobilized, with aircraft, vehicles, boats, and soldiers deployed for rescue and relief operations.
The focus is on clearing roads, providing essential supplies like food, water, and mattresses, and setting up shelters for those displaced by the disaster. However, forecasters warn of more danger ahead as the Guaiba river is expected to swell, worsening the crisis and isolating entire communities.
Authorities are urging residents in high-risk areas near rivers and hillsides prone to mudslides to evacuate. Basic services such as drinking water have been disrupted, leaving hundreds of thousands without necessities.
These catastrophic events are part of a concerning trend of extreme weather in Brazil, attributed by experts to climate change. A recent cold front following a period of intense heat has exacerbated the situation, highlighting the urgent need for climate action.
Taiwan on High Alert as Chinese Military Presence Increases: Defense Ministry
