Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Brazil’s southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul, prompting President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to request a state of public calamity from Congress on Monday.
At least 85 people have lost their lives due to the severe flooding that has affected more than two-thirds of the state’s nearly 500 cities. The state’s civil defense authority reported that over 130 people are still missing, and approximately 150,000 residents have been displaced.
The floods have destroyed roads and bridges across several cities, triggering landslides and leaving a path of destruction. Emergency services are working tirelessly to reach isolated communities and provide aid to those affected.
This disaster highlights the increasing frequency of extreme weather events globally, a concern that resonates deeply with many Asian countries facing similar challenges. From monsoons in South Asia to typhoons in East Asia, the impact of severe weather on communities emphasizes the urgent need for international cooperation in disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
As Brazil grapples with the aftermath, the global community watches closely, underscoring shared vulnerabilities in an era of climatic unpredictability. The situation serves as a stark reminder of the importance of developing robust strategies to mitigate the effects of natural disasters worldwide.
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Brazil's Lula seeks state of emergency after 85 die in rain-hit south
cgtn.com
