The floods in Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state have displaced over 88,000 people, killed at least 75, and left another 103 missing, authorities report. The devastation caused by the massive floods includes landslides, washed-out roads, and collapsed bridges, with more than 800,000 people currently without water supply. Approximately 16,000 people have sought refuge in temporary shelters such as schools and gymnasiums.
State Governor Eduardo Leite has described the situation as unprecedented and has called for a reconstruction effort similar to a “Marshall Plan.” President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visited the affected areas and stressed the need for proactive disaster prevention measures, rather than reactive responses.
The Guaiba River reached a record level on Sunday, surpassing levels from a historic 1941 deluge. Pope Francis offered prayers for the affected population during Sunday mass at the Vatican. The heavy rains, the fourth such disaster in the state in a year, have been exacerbated by the El Nino climate phenomenon, which has caused extreme weather events across the region.
Experts warn that climate change will continue to increase the frequency and intensity of natural disasters such as the floods in Rio Grande do Sul. Brazil must adapt to these changing conditions to mitigate the impacts on its population and infrastructure.