Brazil Floods: 136 Dead, 143 Missing, 400,000 Evacuated in Rio Grande do Sul

May 11, 2024, 12:50 AM

Severe flooding in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, described as the worst in 80 years, has resulted in catastrophic impacts, including a death toll that has risen to 136, with 143 people still missing. The floods have displaced nearly 2 million people, with 400,000 evacuated and 756 injured. The region, a significant agricultural area, is facing economic threats due to damage to food storage and disruptions in grain shipments. The extensive power outages have affected over 1.3 million, with 451,000 people left without electricity. Rescue efforts include military and civilian operations to save stranded individuals and animals, including a notable rescue of a 350kg horse. International support has been pledged, with the U.S. expressing readiness to assist and the UN Refugee Agency actively involved in relief efforts. On Friday, the death toll was reported at 116 by the Civil Defense agency.