Rio Grande Do Sul Floods: Death Toll Rises Amid Record Rainfall And Evacuations

• Deadly floods hit Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: 39 dead, 68 missing.
• Record rains submerge cities, disrupt services for 24,000+ evacuees.
• El Niño worsens disaster, underscoring urgent climate action needs.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that heavy rains wreaked havoc in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, claiming 39 lives and leaving 68 missing, as per the state civil defense agency.

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This disaster marks the fourth in a year, following floods in July, September, and November 2023, resulting in a total death toll of 75.

The extent of flooding has surpassed records dating back to a historic 1941 deluge, according to the Brazilian Geological Service.

Water levels in some areas reached their highest in nearly 150 years.

A dam collapse at a hydroelectric plant between Bento Goncalves and Cotipora, coupled with relentless rain, submerged entire cities like Lajeado and Estrela in the Taquari River valley.

Essential services such as electricity, communication, and water supply were disrupted, forcing over 24,000 people to evacuate.

Residents faced dire conditions with no internet, phone service, or electricity.

Helicopters scoured the cities for rescue operations while families awaited help on rooftops.

The situation was described as akin to a horror movie by some locals, with reports of desperate individuals resorting to risky actions, including throwing themselves into the currents.

Survivors like Isolete Neumann, 58, shared harrowing experiences of living without running water or basic amenities.

The downpour, which began on Monday, was forecasted to persist until Saturday, according to meteorologists.

Governor Eduardo Leite and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva expressed solidarity with the affected populace, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the disaster.

The ongoing El Niño phenomenon exacerbated the situation, causing intense rainfall in a region historically prone to its effects.

Karina Lima, a climatology expert, emphasized the region’s vulnerability to amplified rainfall due to its geographical features.

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Climate models predict continued increases in both average and extreme precipitation in Rio Grande do Sul, underscoring the urgent need for climate action.