In recent days, the southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil has been heavily hit by torrential rain, leading to floods, mudslides, and other disasters that have claimed the lives of at least 78 people and displaced over 115,000 individuals.
According to media reports, since April 29th, more than two-thirds of the over 500 municipalities in Rio Grande do Sul have been ravaged by flooding. The water levels of the state’s main river, the Guaiba River, have risen significantly. As of 8 a.m. on May 5th, the water level reached 5.33 meters, surpassing the previous record of 4.76 meters set during the devastating flood of 1941.
As of the evening of May 5th, the flooding has resulted in at least 78 fatalities, 155 injuries, and 105 people missing in the state. Over 115,000 individuals have been left displaced. Due to damage to some hydroelectric plants, more than 400,000 people in the state are without electricity, and 30% of the population is without water. Many local residents have volunteered to assist in the rescue efforts, using small boats, jet skis, and rafts.
Photos from the scene depict the state capital of Porto Alegre submerged under water. As a result of the devastation, flights at Porto Alegre International Airport have been suspended since last Friday, May 3rd.
On the morning of May 5th, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva arrived in Rio Grande do Sul along with several cabinet members to discuss rescue and post-disaster reconstruction efforts with local authorities.