Brazil Prepares for Continued Chaos as Heavy Rains Loom and Millions Affected by Flooding
Southern Brazil, devastated by recent floods, is preparing for further chaos as meteorologists predict 12 hours of intense rainfall on Friday followed by continued downpours over the weekend. Nearly 2 million people are already impacted by the ongoing flooding crisis.
People in southern Brazil are facing more challenges as meteorologists predict 12 hours of heavy rain on Friday and throughout the weekend. This comes after deadly floods have already caused devastation in the region.
The death toll in the floods in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to 113, according to the state's civil defense agency. The relentless downpours have swept through the region and even affected parts of neighboring Uruguay.
Officials are advising rescued flood victims not to go back home.
The national meteorology institute INMET has forecasted heavy rain in the central and eastern parts of the state from Friday to Sunday, with some areas expecting up to 150 mm of rain during this period.
INMET stated that the predicted rainfall may lead to further disruptions in areas already impacted. The storms in Brazil have impacted over 1.9 million people and forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate, with over 140 individuals still unaccounted for.
Katiane Mello, left, and her husband, James Vargas, before leaving their flooded home in Eldorado do Sul, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, on May 9, 2024.
Katiane Mello, left, and her husband, James Vargas, before leaving their flooded home in Eldorado do Sul, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, on May 9, 2024.
Carlos Fabal/AFP/Getty Images
A horse was found stranded on a rooftop in a flooded area in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul on Wednesday, May 8.
A horse was found stranded on a rooftop in a flooded area in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul on Wednesday, May 8.
TV Globo
The news of the severe weather event has spread globally, with video clips showing a horse being rescued from a rooftop after being stranded for days. The brave rescue took place last Thursday, carried out by Sao Paulo's military team. As reported by Agencia Brasil, the horse, now known as Caramelo on social media, was given sedation before being carefully transported on a boat during the rescue operation.
The horse had been stranded on the roof for four days in Canoas, a municipality in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, surrounded by flood water.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva shared a video on X showing the moment he found out about the horse's rescue. According to Agencia Brasil, the state-run news agency, over 2,000 animals, including dogs, cats, chickens, and pigs, have been rescued since the floods hit Rio Grande do Sul.
Uruguay has also been affected by the storms, leading to over 1,300 people being displaced and thousands left without electricity. The national emergency system mentioned on Wednesday night that casualties have not been confirmed.
Concerns are rising about the possibility of gangs exploiting the situation by targeting abandoned homes and businesses. So far, 47 individuals have been taken into custody for various crimes linked to the devastating floods. Among them, 41 are suspected of looting establishments, while six are accused of sexual abuse in shelters, as reported by Agencia Brasil.
The recent heavy rainfall in southern Brazil has been associated with El Niño, a natural climate pattern that warms Pacific waters and leads to increased precipitation in the region.
Long-term global warming, largely due to human activities like burning fossil fuels, has further intensified extreme weather events in this area.
Cars are surrounded by flooded streets after heavy rain in Canoas, in Rio Grande do Sul state, on May 9, 2024.
Cars are surrounded by flooded streets after heavy rain in Canoas, in Rio Grande do Sul state, on May 9, 2024.
Carlos Macedo/AP
Brazilian Air Force Soldiers prepare donations for flood victims at the Brasilia Air Force Base.
Brazilian Air Force Soldiers prepare donations for flood victims at the Brasilia Air Force Base.
Adriano Machado/Reuters
Rio Grande do Sul — Brazil’s southernmost state, and until recently a tranquil agricultural region — has seen repeatedly extreme weather events in recent years.
The state government has stated that a total of 19 billion Brazilian reals (equivalent to $3.7 billion US dollars) will be required for the rebuilding efforts. Recent satellite images taken by the state reveal the extent of the damage, with entire neighborhoods transformed into rivers, a football pitch within a stadium completely submerged, and an airport runway covered by water.
Editor's P/S:
The devastating floods in southern Brazil have left a trail of destruction and heartbreak. The relentless downpours have claimed the lives of over 100 people, displaced hundreds of thousands, and left many more in desperate need of assistance. The situation is particularly dire in Rio Grande do Sul, where the death toll continues to rise and entire neighborhoods have been submerged.
The heavy rainfall has been attributed to a combination of El Niño and long-term global warming. Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events around the world, and Brazil is no exception. The recent floods are a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
