On Sunday, President Lula da Silva visited the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the heavy rainfall has led to loss of life and extensive damage to infrastructure.
Local authorities stated on Sunday that the death toll has risen to at least 75 dead. In addition, 103 people have been reported missing, an increase from 70 missing the day before.
On Sunday, it was still raining in the state capital, Porto Alegre, as well as in other parts of the state. This makes the rescue work demanding. About two thirds of the state’s 500 towns and villages are affected by floods. Around 88,000 people have been displaced from their homes.
Roads and bridges have been destroyed in a number of cities, and the rainfall has also triggered landslides in several places.
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In the town of Canoas, 76-year-old Julio Manichesque was rescued by volunteers on Sunday. Photo: Amanda Perobelli / Reuters
In the town of Canoas, 76-year-old Julio Manichesque was rescued by volunteers on Sunday. Then he had been sitting since Friday on the roof of the house where he has lived for 52 years.
– I have never seen so much water, said the 76-year-old.
The flood has led to the highest water levels in over 80 years in the state. In some cities, the highest water levels have been recorded since measurements began around 150 years ago. Pope Francis said on Sunday that he is praying for those affected by the floods in Brazil.
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