Tragic Flooding in Rio Grande do Sul Leaves 29 Dead and Dozens Missing
SAO PAULO — The Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul is reeling from heavy rain and flooding that has left at least 29 people dead and 60 others missing.
State of Calamity Declared as Thousands Impacted
The local government has declared a state of calamity in areas where over 67,000 individuals across nearly 150 municipalities are affected. Nearly 10,000 people have been displaced, with more than 4,500 seeking refuge in temporary shelters, according to civil defense officials.
Authorities on High Alert
Authorities are closely monitoring dams ill-equipped to handle the deluge of water, although there is currently no immediate risk of failure. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with local officials overseeing relief efforts to address the crisis.
“Historic Disaster” Grips the State
State Governor Eduardo Leite lamented the situation, calling it a “historic disaster” with massive material losses. Despite this, the focus remains on rescue operations as many individuals are still in need of assistance.
Climate Crisis Worsening Extreme Weather Events
Rio Grande do Sul has experienced a surge in extreme weather events in recent years, with September seeing over 30 fatalities due to heavy rains. The climate crisis, fueled by human activities like burning fossil fuels, is exacerbating these events globally, making them more intense and frequent.
Global Impact of Climate Change
Recent weeks have seen record rainfall causing deadly floods in Dubai, drying reservoirs in Southeast Asia due to heatwaves, and devastating floods in Kenya. The past year marked the hottest on record, with temperatures surpassing predictions. The world is now 1.2 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial times, leading to an increase in high-intensity hurricanes and longer-lasting heatwaves.
Scientists warn that storms are more likely to stall, resulting in prolonged and destructive rainfall post-landfall. The urgent need to address climate change is underscored by these alarming trends. – CNN
