As per recent updates from authorities, the devastating storms in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southernmost state, have so far claimed 57 lives, with 67 individuals remaining unaccounted for. The extreme weather has also forced over 32,000 residents out of their homes and impacted almost two thirds of the state’s 497 municipalities.
The neighbouring nations of Argentina and Uruguay are bordered by the affected regions, where floods have resulted in significant structural damage, obliterating roads and bridges throughout. Landslides and a dam’s partial collapse at a local hydroelectric power plant were prompted by the storms. Anticipations are high for a potential collapse of a second dam in Bento Goncalves city.
The state capital, Porto Alegre, saw the Guaiba lake overflowing and inundating city streets. The international airport of the city has halted all inbound and outbound flights indefinitely in response to the situation.
Meteorological experts reveal that the intensity of the rainfall is gradually reducing and is likely to fall significantly short of the past week’s high. Furthermore, the northern and northeastern parts of the state can expect rainfall over the next day and a half. Nevertheless, Governor Eduardo Leite stated in a live social media broadcast that the elevated river water levels are set to persist for several more days.
Rio Grande do Sul is positioned on the transition zone between polar and tropical climatic zones, resulting in varying periods of heavy rainfall and draught. Experts suggest that this pattern is becoming increasingly severe due to the impacts of climate change. It should be noted that last September saw similar heavy rainfall with an extratropical cyclone triggering floods that took more than 50 lives. This was followed by over two years of infrequent rainfall caused by La Nina, contributing to an extended drought.
© Thomson Reuters 2024