Less than two weeks after catastrophic floods devastated Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul state, leaving at least 143 dead, the region is once again on high alert. Intense rainfall since Friday has raised concerns of water levels surpassing previous records, posing a renewed threat to communities still recovering from the earlier disaster.
Four rivers located about 100 kilometers west of the state capital, Porto Alegre, are experiencing significant rises, according to government data. Guaiba Lake, situated on the edge of Porto Alegre, is already overflowing in several areas, with water levels continuing to climb.
Fernando Fan, a researcher from the Institute of Hydrological Research at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, warned that the Guaiba, which receives water from the entire valley region, could exceed the 5.35 meters recorded last week. "We could see levels reach 5.5 meters," Fan told Radio Gaucha, noting that this would mark a record flood for the capital.
The situation highlights the escalating challenges posed by extreme weather events, a concern resonating worldwide. Authorities are closely monitoring the developments, urging residents in vulnerable areas to stay informed and prepared for potential evacuations.
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Fears rise of more record flooding in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul
cgtn.com
