Rio de Janeiro. Ten people have died and 21 are missing due to heavy rains this week in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, and the local government warns that the situation is critical and could get even worse.
In a press conference held this Wednesday, the state governor, Eduardo Leite, assured that he had spoken with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva to request all possible federal aid.
“We are experiencing the worst moment in Rio Grande do Sul, the worst disaster in our history. What is happening in Rio Grande do Sul at this moment is absolutely, absurd, extraordinarily serious,” said Leite. “And unfortunately, it’s going to get worse.”
Lula plans to travel to the state on Thursday.
According to the governor, the storms caused the most devastation in the state in recent years, leaving several cities isolated after bridges collapsed and roads were destroyed amid flooding and landslides.
Leite announced the suspension of classes throughout the state for the rest of the week and stressed that he requested the full support of the armed forces “to participate effectively in the coordination of this moment, which is similar to facing a war.”
Authorities reported more than 3,400 people displaced after the storms that caused river levels to rise and floods in several parts of the state, affecting 114 municipalities.
In a report on hydrological conditions this Tuesday, the state government predicted a risk of flooding “in practically the entire state” with the prospect of “heavy rainfall” continuing in the coming days.
The bulletin also said flooding would be severe in many river basins, with the possibility of flash floods and massive land movements in regions with steep slopes.
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– 2024-05-03 09:30:32
