The death toll from heavy rain and flooding in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has climbed to at least 78, with over 115,000 people displaced. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva visited the affected areas to discuss rescue and reconstruction efforts, pledging to overcome bureaucratic obstacles.
Rescue efforts have been underway, with volunteers using boats, jet skis, and even swimming to assist in saving people stranded by floodwaters. However, the death toll may rise further, as 105 people were reported missing on Sunday, and authorities are investigating whether four additional deaths are storm-related.
The flooding has affected more than two-thirds of the state's cities, causing widespread destruction of infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and a dam at a hydroelectric power plant. Over 400,000 people were left without power, and nearly a third of the state's population faced water shortages.
Porto Alegre's Guaiba Lake breached its banks, causing record-high water levels and suspending all flights at the city's international airport since Friday. Many residents have been rescued from their homes, with some describing the flood as the worst they've ever seen.
Pope Francis also expressed his solidarity with the people of Rio Grande do Sul during his weekly address, offering prayers for those affected by the disaster.
