Brazil storms spark floods and cause hydroelectric dam to collapse, with at least 29 dead and 60 missing
Storms in Brazil have caused floods and the collapse of a hydroelectric dam, resulting in at least 29 deaths and 60 people missing.
Startling images and video depict individuals walking through chest-high muddy water and vast areas of land submerged in Rio Grande do Sul state in southern Brazil.
A state of emergency has been declared in the region due to the rising death toll, which is expected to increase, and ongoing efforts to locate numerous missing individuals amidst collapsed homes, bridges, and roads.
Nearly 150 municipalities in the state have been affected by storm damage, resulting in injuries to 36 people and displacing over 10,000.
The hydroelectric dam '14 de Julho' experienced structural failure on Thursday, leading to increased water levels in the Taquari river. The heavy rain began on Monday and was forecasted to continue until Friday, causing over six inches of rainfall in certain areas within a 24-hour period, according to Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology (INMET).
Governor Eduardo Leite described the situation in Rio Grande do Sul as 'the worst disaster in [its] history' and expressed anticipation of a higher death toll.
President Lula attributed the torrential rain to climate change and visited Santa Maria with a ministerial delegation to coordinate rescue efforts with local officials.
He assured that the federal government would provide all necessary resources to alleviate the suffering caused by the disaster.
Central authorities have mobilized resources including aircraft, vehicles, boats, and soldiers to assist in clearing roads, distributing aid, and establishing shelters.
As the rainfall persisted, forecasts indicated that the Guaiba River's water level would rise significantly, leading to extensive flooding and isolation of communities.
Numerous communities have been cut off due to destroyed infrastructure, leaving residents without essential services such as communication and access to electricity and water.
Rescue teams have been working tirelessly to evacuate trapped families and provide assistance to affected areas.
Officials have advised people to avoid high-risk areas and evacuate if they live near rivers or on hillsides due to potential mudslides.
The damages in Rio Grande do Sul state have been estimated at £16 million, with some areas described as resembling war zones due to the extensive destruction.
In Santa Cruz do Sul, lifeguards utilized boats to rescue residents, including many children, highlighting the severity of the situation.
The weather patterns in South America, influenced by phenomena like El Nino, have contributed to extreme weather events, with this year's El Nino exacerbating droughts and heavy rainfall in different regions. Scientists emphasize the role of human-induced climate change in increasing the frequency of such extreme weather occurrences.
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