Porto Alegre, Brazil – Intense flooding in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has led to a tragic death toll of at least 78 people, and more than 115,000 individuals have been forced to evacuate from their homes. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, accompanied by his cabinet, arrived in the affected region on Sunday to assess the situation and strategize about rescue and recovery efforts with local authorities.
The devastating floods have left behind a scene reminiscent of a war zone, prompting Governor Eduardo Leite to emphasize the need for post-war measures to rebuild the state. Volunteers have played a crucial role in rescue missions, utilizing boats, jet skis, and even swimming to reach those stranded by the rising waters. In Porto Alegre, Fabiano Saldanha and his friends have heroically saved approximately 50 people with their jet skis from inundated islands within the city.
As the search for missing individuals continues, with 105 people reported missing on Sunday, concerns about the escalating death toll persist. Two-thirds of the state’s cities have been affected by the flooding, causing widespread destruction to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and a dam at a hydroelectric power plant. The severe weather conditions have left over 400,000 residents without power and a third of the population without access to clean water.
The situation in Porto Alegre reached a critical point when the Guaiba lake overflowed, causing unprecedented flooding that disrupted air travel and forced the suspension of all flights at the city’s international airport. Desperate residents like Kaeli Moraes share harrowing tales of being rescued from their flooded homes, while others like Julio Manichesque have endured being stranded on their rooftops for days until volunteers came to their aid.
Amidst the chaos and devastation, the global community, including Pope Francis, has extended thoughts and prayers to the people of Rio Grande do Sul. With the ongoing rescue and relief efforts, the residents of the affected region are facing an arduous journey toward recovery and rebuilding in the aftermath of this natural disaster.