Brazilian authorities reported Sunday that flooding caused by heavy rains has left 144 dead and more than 2.1 million people affected, as new storms threaten to further affect the region.
The death toll rose by seven more victims than the 137 recorded the day before. The number of missing persons remains at 125.
According to the latest report from the Civil Defense, the number of displaced people is now close to 620,000, of which more than 81,000 have had to seek refuge in makeshift shelters set up by the authorities.
The report also says that rescue teams have evacuated 76,399 people and 10,555 animals from high-risk areas.
The most dramatic situation is in Rio Grande do Sul, a state bordering Argentina and Uruguay, where at least 146 deaths and 806 injuries have been reported and where 446 municipalities have been affected, 90% of the total.
The other death was reported in the neighbouring state of Santa Catarina, also affected by the catastrophe, but to a lesser extent.
The situation in almost the entire state remains on high alert due to weather forecasts and rescue teams are taking advantage of the few spaces left by the storms to continue their searches.
In addition to torrential downpours, strong winds and low temperatures are expected, which might last until Tuesday.
High risk alert for travel
The National Center for Disaster Surveillance and Alert (CEMADEN) issued a high-risk alert for landslides on Sunday in practically the entire state and in the metropolitan region of Porto Alegre, with special attention to the Serra Gaúcha.
The warnings for rain are being raised in the municipality of Uruguaiana, on the border with Argentina, where the waters of the Uruguaya River have exceeded the levels and continue to rise.
*With information from EFE*
#Deaths #rains #Brazil #rise
2024-07-07 15:17:55
