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Catastrophic Flooding in Southern Brazil: 100 Dead, State of Emergency in 330+ Cities

May 7, 2024, 08:20 PM

Southern Brazil, particularly the state of Rio Grande do Sul, is facing catastrophic flooding, resulting in at least 100 deaths, with 90 people dead and scores missing. The disaster has displaced over 230,000 people and left 150,000 homeless. A state of emergency has been declared in over 330 cities. The floods have submerged hundreds of towns, including the major city of Porto Alegre, and disrupted essential services like running water and electricity. The flooding, described as the worst in 80 years, has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including the closure of the Salgado Filho International Airport and major highways. The agricultural sector is severely affected, with substantial losses in rice and soybean production. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has requested Congress to declare a state of public calamity to address the crisis.