Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, claiming 39 lives, reported news agency Reuters. As many as 74 people are missing. The heavy downpours have led to record-breaking floods, leaving cities in ruins and forcing thousands to evacuate their homes.
This marks the fourth devastating flood to hit Brazil within 12 months. The previous floods occurred in July, September, and November last year, resulting in the loss of 75 lives, reported British news website The Guardian.
The extent of the statewide floods has surpassed that of the devastating deluge of 1941, reported the Brazilian Geological Service. In certain municipalities, water levels rose to unprecedented heights not seen in nearly 150 years of recorded history, according to The Guardian.
The situation took a dire turn on Thursday when a dam at a hydroelectric plant, situated between the cities of Bento Goncalves and Cotipora, suffered a partial collapse. Entire communities in the Taquari River valley, such as Lajeado and Estrela, found themselves completely submerged by the relentless waters.
In Feliz, a town located 50 miles (80 km) from the state capital, Porto Alegre, a swollen river forcefully swept away a crucial bridge linking it with the neighbouring city of Linha Nova.
Reports indicate widespread disruptions in essential services, with electricity, communication, and water supplies severely impacted across the state. The Civil Defence Agency reported that over 23,000 individuals were displaced from their residences.
Amidst the chaos, residents grappled with the absence of internet, telephone connectivity, and electricity, hampering their ability to communicate vital updates to relatives in other regions. Helicopters tirelessly patrolled the skies above inundated areas, while stranded families, including children, awaited rescue on rooftops.
The relentless rainfall, which commenced on Monday, shows no signs of abating and is forecasted to persist until at least Saturday, according to Marcelo Seluchi, the chief meteorologist at the National Center for Monitoring and Alerts of Natural Disasters, who spoke on Brazil’s public television network on Friday.
In an urgent address to the state's populace on Thursday night, Governor Eduardo Leite underscored the severity of the ongoing rains and floods. He expressed deep empathy for the suffering endured by the people, commonly referred to as gauchos, while assuring unwavering resolve in managing the crisis.
“As a fellow human being, I am profoundly saddened, much like every gaucho is,” Governor Leite was quoted by The Guardian. “However, as your governor, I stand resolute, ensuring that every possible effort is exerted with unwavering focus, attention, discipline, and determination.”
The weather patterns across South America are intricately linked to the climatic phenomenon known as El Niño, a cyclical occurrence characterized by the warming of surface waters in the equatorial Pacific region. In Brazil, El Niño typically precipitates droughts in the north and intensified rainfall in the south.
This year, the repercussions of El Niño have been particularly severe, evidenced by a historic drought in the Amazon. Scientists attribute the increased frequency of extreme weather events to anthropogenic climate change, underscoring the urgent need for concerted global action.