International News: 57 dead, dozens more missing as storms affect Brazil

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Authorities in Brazil’s southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul reported that the death toll from the recent rains has climbed to 57, with dozens still unaccounted for.

The civil defense authority of Rio Grande do Sul disclosed that 67 individuals are currently missing, and over 32,000 residents have been displaced.

The impact of the storms has been widespread, affecting nearly two-thirds of the state’s 497 cities, which share borders with Uruguay and Argentina.

The floods have wreaked havoc, demolishing roads and bridges across various regions.

Additionally, the storm triggered landslides and led to the partial collapse of a dam at a small hydroelectric plant. Authorities are also monitoring another dam in Bento Goncalves, which is at risk of collapsing.

In the state capital of Porto Alegre, the overflowing of the Guaiba lake has submerged streets, prompting the suspension of all flights at the city’s international airport until further notice.

Although rainfall is anticipated in the northern and northeastern parts of the state over the next 36 hours, meteorological authorities assure that the precipitation levels are decreasing significantly compared to earlier in the week.

However, Governor Eduardo Leite cautioned that river levels are likely to remain elevated for an extended period, although the exact duration is challenging to ascertain.

Rio Grande do Sul’s unique geographical location, situated between tropical and polar climates, results in a weather pattern characterized by alternating periods of heavy rainfall and drought.

Local scientists attribute the intensification of this pattern to climate change.

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