Heavy rains and landslides have hit Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul. The governor is calling it the most destructive rain and landslide ever. According to a report by Al Jazeera, the death toll has reached 37 and 74 people are missing. Importantly, the death toll may rise.
Rains and landslides in the state have disturbed the sleep of the people. An emergency operation has been launched to search for people trapped in the rubble of collapsed houses, bridges and roads. Rescue operations are underway and the death toll may rise. Looking at the situation, Governor Eduardo Leite has declared a state of emergency.
Governor Eduardo Leite said, ‘We are facing the worst disaster in our history. Rescue operations are underway but sadly the death toll may rise. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged full support to the affected area and assured that there will be no shortage of human or material resources to mitigate the problems caused by extreme weather conditions.
Federal assistance has already been mobilized by deploying 12 aircraft, 45 vehicles and 12 boats along with 626 troops to assist in rescue and relief operations. The focus has been on clearing roads, distributing essential items such as food, water and mattresses, and setting up shelters for displaced persons.
Meanwhile, the state’s main river Guaiba is expected to reach alarming levels. If this happens, flooding may occur and the situation may become more alarming. Forecasting agencies have issued danger warnings. The rains have cut off contact with many communities and caused significant damage to life and property.
In view of the situation, people have been asked to evacuate the places where the risk is high. People do not even get drinking water.
