🌧️ Weeks of relentless rain have led to devastating floods in southern Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state, claiming at least 180 lives, with 32 people still missing, according to the civil defense agency's report on Wednesday.
The torrential downpours began on April 29 and drenched the region for days, turning streets into rivers and leaving cities submerged. 🚣♀️ As the waters started to recede in mid-June, rescue teams have been working tirelessly to search for the missing and help communities recover.
Over 2.3 million people in 478 towns, including the state capital, Porto Alegre, have been affected by the severe weather. During the peak of the storms, more than 450,000 residents were evacuated to safety. 🏃♂️💨
In response to this unprecedented disaster, the Brazilian government has stepped up by allocating a whopping 85.7 billion reals (about $15.4 billion) for aid and reconstruction efforts in Rio Grande do Sul. Secretary of Social Communication Paulo Pimenta, appointed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, is leading the charge to rebuild and support the affected communities. 💪
Rio Grande do Sul, known for its rich agricultural lands and vibrant culture, sits on the border with Uruguay and Argentina. The floods have not only taken lives but also led to record economic losses for the state. 🌾💔
As the waters recede, the spirit of the people remains unbroken. Communities are coming together to rebuild and support one another through these challenging times. 🤝❤️
The nation watches as Rio Grande do Sul rises from the floods, showcasing resilience and unity in the face of adversity. 🇧🇷✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
