Severe Flooding in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul Leaves 10 Dead, Over 20 Missing

At least 10 people have died and over 20 are missing after severe flooding caused by heavy storms in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The floods have displaced around 3,300 people across more than 100 municipalities, with many residents moved to shelters.

Helicopters are searching for residents trapped, but in some areas, the flooding is too severe for them to land. Governor Eduardo Leite has requested immediate federal air support from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to help rescue hundreds of people in dozens of municipalities affected by the intense rainfall, which is expected to continue in the coming days.

President Lula responded, saying the federal government will join the state's efforts to get through this difficult time, which is attributed to the effects of climate change.

Why this matters: The severe flooding in Rio Grande do Sul highlights the devastating impact of extreme weather events, which experts attribute to climate change. As the frequency and intensity of such disasters increase, it underscores the urgent need for climate action and disaster preparedness measures to protect vulnerable communities.

The flooding has caused widespread damage, with bridges collapsing and over 20 streets becoming impassable, hindering emergency services. It has also left around 130,000 people without drinking water, and telephone and internet services are down in at least 60 municipalities. The floods are estimated to have caused $20 million in damages so far.

Meteorologists have predicted further rains as a cold front moves across the region. The current intense rainfall is linked to the weather phenomenon El Niño, according to Brazil's National Institute of Meteorology. Last year, more than 30 people were killed in a cyclone in Rio Grande do Sul, which authorities also attribute to El Niño.

Key Takeaways

• Severe flooding in southern Brazil kills at least 10, 20+ missing
• 3,300 people displaced, many moved to shelters, rescue efforts ongoing
• Flooding attributed to climate change, causing $20M in damages so far
• Heavy rains linked to El Niño, further rainfall expected in coming days
• Brazilian government mobilizing aid and rescue teams to affected areas