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Catastrophic Flooding in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul Claims 143 Lives, Displaces Over 600K

May 12, 2024, 02:29 PM

Brazil is grappling with catastrophic floods in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, which have resulted in a death toll of 143 and left 132 people missing. The unprecedented flooding, described as the worst in 150 years, has displaced over 600,000 residents and injured 806 individuals. The floods have also caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure, with 92,000 homes reported damaged. In response, the Brazilian government has initiated emergency measures, including providing cheap credit and aid for rebuilding. The U.S. has pledged $120,000 in aid, matching a donation by the band Metallica. As the region braces for more rainfall, rescue and relief operations continue, with concerns about further flooding and landslides.