The devastating floods in Brazil’s southern Rio Grande do Sul State have claimed the lives of at least 75 people, with over 100 individuals still missing, as reported by local authorities on Sunday. Record-breaking floods have led to the displacement of more than 80,000 residents in the state, which shares borders with Uruguay and Argentina. The State’s civil defence authority is coordinating rescue efforts amidst the challenging conditions, with teams racing against time to reach those stranded by the rising waters.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, accompanied by key members of his cabinet, arrived in Rio Grande do Sul to assess the situation and discuss rescue and reconstruction plans with local authorities. Amidst the ongoing rescue operations, footage shared online by President Lula depicted dramatic scenes of soldiers using helicopters to reach stranded individuals, demonstrating the urgent efforts being made to save lives. Rescue workers are employing various means, including four-wheel-drive vehicles and jet-skis, to navigate through the flooded areas and provide aid to those in need.