NOS News•today, 8:42 PM
The number of deaths from heavy rain and flooding in southern Brazil has risen to 100 people, local authorities said. The death toll could rise further in the coming days, with 128 people missing.
The storm caused several bridges and buildings to collapse in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Entire neighborhoods are flooded and around 163,000 people have had to leave their homes. “We have lost everything,” one resident told Reuters news agency. “It’s sad to see our house underwater. It seems like the end of the world.”
Danger not yet over
According to Brazil’s natural disaster center, the danger to the south of the state has not yet passed. More rain is expected in the coming days. That is probably not very much, but because the water is already high and the ground is saturated, the chance of more flooding is high.
The Brazilian government has emphasized that the state will be assisted. Financial support will soon be offered to companies, farmers, cities and local authorities. “We understand that Rio Grande do Sul is in a difficult financial position,” said President Lula. “They will get everything they are entitled to.”
