Brazil flood crisis worsens, over 120 dead, millions affected
The flood crisis in southern Brazil, particularly in Rio Grande do Sul, has worsened after rains returned to the state on Friday. The death toll has now climbed to 126, up from 113 earlier in the day. Approximately 411,000 individuals have also been forced to evacuate their homes due to the flooding exacerbated by the El Nino weather phenomenon.
State capital Porto Alegre among worst-hit areas
Porto Alegre, the state capital with a population of 1.4 million, is one of the areas most severely affected by the floods. Nearly two million people have been impacted, and over 85,000 homes have been destroyed. The Guaiba River, running through Porto Alegre, has reached historic levels this week. In just 24 hours, fresh rainfall nearly doubled the number of people forced to evacuate their homes.
Agricultural economy suffers, water supplies cut
The region's agricultural economy has also taken a significant hit due to the floods. Farmer Daniel Dalbosco reported losing crops under "up to 2m of water," while his neighbors "lost between 40 and 50 hectares (100 and 125 acres)." Water supplies have been cut in many areas, making clean drinking water scarce in Porto Alegre. Tanker trucks are now delivering water to shelters and hospitals, while boats navigate flooded streets to deliver food.
Further precipitation predicted, infrastructure suspended
The National Institute of Meteorology has predicted further precipitation with "intense winds and hail." MetSul Meteorologia reported "a new period of intense atmospheric instability," with up to 200mm (7.9-inch) of rain expected by Monday. Operations at the port of Porto Alegre have been suspended due to the floods, and its international airport has been indefinitely closed. Governor Eduardo Leite said earlier this week that preliminary projections show Rio Grande do Sul will need at least 19 billion reais to rebuild.
