Brasilia, Brazil — After enduring a record-breaking drought, Brazil is now grappling with severe storms that have claimed at least eight lives and caused widespread damage across central and southeastern regions.
Since Friday, relentless rains accompanied by winds reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour have lashed the country, according to the National Institute of Meteorology. The sudden downpour brought up to 10 centimeters of rain daily, a stark contrast to the prolonged dry spell that parched the nation.
In Sao Paulo, Brazil's most populous state, seven people lost their lives due to falling trees and collapsing walls inflicted by the violent weather, as reported by the state civil defense. The capital city of Sao Paulo experienced extensive blackouts, leaving approximately 1.6 million homes and businesses without electricity, energy firm Enel confirmed.
The capital city of Brasilia was not spared. A tragic incident occurred when a tree fell on two soldiers as they were removing a flag in front of the military police headquarters, resulting in one fatality and another injury, according to local authorities.
Inside the Chamber of Deputies, the lower house of Brazil's Congress, officials found themselves using umbrellas indoors as rainwater leaked through the roof, highlighting the intensity of the storms.
Despite the chaos, many residents welcomed the rain as a respite from the drought, with Brasilia experiencing rainfall after an unprecedented 165 consecutive dry days. The severe drought had contributed to rampant wildfires, devastating the Amazon rainforest and the Pantanal wetlands, where wildlife like jaguars suffered burn injuries. Major cities were engulfed in smoke, raising health concerns among the populace.
Experts have linked these extreme weather events to climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for environmental action. The oscillation from severe drought to deadly storms underscores the vulnerabilities faced by regions worldwide amid shifting climate patterns.
The Brazilian government and emergency services are currently working to restore power, provide aid to affected communities, and assess the full extent of the damage caused by the storms.
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At least 8 dead as heavy rain thrashes Brazil after long drought
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