Southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state is grappling with its worst-ever floods, with 180 confirmed deaths and 32 people still missing, officials announced Wednesday. Torrential rains that began in late April submerged cities, displacing over 450,000 residents 🚑 at the crisis’s peak.
Rescue Efforts Amidst Ruins
After weeks of relentless rainfall, waters finally began receding in mid-June, allowing rescue teams to ramp up recovery operations. The disaster impacted 2.4 million people across 478 towns, including the capital Porto Alegre. Homes, roads, and farms were swept away, leaving communities in shock.
Billions Pledged for Rebuilding
Brazil’s government has pledged $15.4 billion 💸 for relief and reconstruction, with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva appointing a dedicated team to oversee recovery. Located near Uruguay and Argentina, Rio Grande do Sul—a key agricultural hub—faces record economic losses as crops and infrastructure lie destroyed.
🔍 Stay tuned for updates as Brazil navigates this climate-driven catastrophe.
