The death toll from unprecedented floods in southern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state has risen to 175, according to the latest reports from the state’s civil defense agency. More than 800 people have been injured, and 38 remain missing as rescue efforts continue.
Since April 29, record rainfall has triggered floods affecting over 2.3 million people—approximately 20 percent of the state’s population. The disaster has displaced over 423,400 residents, with more than 18,800 still residing in temporary shelters. Nearly 500 cities in the state are grappling with the aftermath of this historic event, as communities strive to recover and rebuild.
The civil defense agency has issued warnings of additional heavy rainfall expected to hit the region from June 14 to 17, raising concerns about further challenges for the affected populations.
As climate-related disasters become increasingly common worldwide, the tragic situation in Brazil underscores the urgent need for global cooperation on disaster preparedness and environmental resilience. Communities across Asia, many of which are similarly vulnerable to extreme weather events, can draw lessons from Brazil’s experience to bolster their own strategies for mitigating the impacts of natural disasters.
Cover image: Destroyed houses in the Navegantes neighborhood, in the municipality of Arroio do Meio, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, June 6, 2024. /CFP
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Death toll rises to 175 after historical floods hits south Brazil
cgtn.com
