Rescuers are in a race against time to evacuate people stranded by floodwaters in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. At least 90 people have been killed and over 130 are missing as a result of the devastating floods. The state capital of Porto Alegre has been virtually cut off, with the airport and bus station closed and main roads blocked. The situation has been described as “very desperate” by Al Jazeera’s Latin America editor Lucia Newman, as volunteers and rescue crews work to remove residents from the affected areas. Sewage has overflowed in some parts of the city, leaving residents without water and electricity.
The heavy rains that began last week have led to rivers flooding entire towns and destroying infrastructure such as roads and bridges. In Porto Alegre, residents are facing scarcity as supermarkets have empty shelves and gas stations are closed. Shops are rationing sales of mineral water, and five out of six water treatment facilities are not operational. The mayor has decreed that water should only be used for essential consumption, and water trucks are being sent to distribute water to the residents. Almost half a million people are without power in Porto Alegre and surrounding areas due to flooded neighborhoods. Electrical companies have cut off supplies for safety reasons, and several hydroelectric dams and transmission lines have been shut down.
The rain has temporarily stopped, but a cold front expected to arrive on Tuesday night may bring more severe rain to the southern part of the state. The National Meteorological Institute of Brazil has forecasted rainfall exceeding 150 millimeters by early Wednesday. Residents such as Maria Vitoria Jorge have been forced to evacuate their homes due to the flooding, with some using savings to rent alternative accommodation. Others, like Adriano Hueck, are attempting to retrieve essential items such as medicine from flooded areas, hoping to salvage what they can. The situation in nearby towns like Eldorado do Sul is dire, with streets submerged in floodwaters and rescuers struggling to access affected areas.
The death toll in Rio Grande do Sul has risen to 90, with an additional 131 people still unaccounted for and 155,000 homeless. The disaster has taken a toll on the region, with essential services disrupted and residents left without basic necessities such as clean water and electricity. The state’s Civil Defence agency is coordinating rescue efforts, but the scale of the flooding has posed challenges for emergency responders. A large number of people remain stranded in flooded areas, with rescuers using smaller boats to reach those in need. The looming threat of more severe rain has further heightened concerns for the safety and well-being of residents in the affected regions.
As the situation unfolds, the people of Rio Grande do Sul are facing a long road to recovery. The aftermath of the devastating floods has left communities in a state of emergency, with many facing uncertainty and displacement. The government and aid agencies are working to provide assistance to those affected, but the widespread damage caused by the floods will require sustained efforts to rebuild and restore affected areas. The resilience and unity of the community will be crucial in overcoming the challenges posed by the natural disaster, as residents come together to support one another and rebuild their lives in the wake of the devastating floods.
