Death toll from floods in Brazil rises to 137 and nearly 2 million people are already suffering there

The death toll from severe floods that have hit southern Brazil for a week reached this Saturday 137 and number of victims about two millionAs per latest civil defense bulletin.

According to the organization, 141 people missing and 756 injured in Brazil’s southern region’s worst climate tragedy in history,

experiences the most dramatic situations Rio Grande do SulBorder states with Argentina and Uruguay and where they have been reported at least 136 dead, The second victim was registered in a neighboring state St. Katrina,

According to Civil Defence, The tragedy has spread to 441 of the 497 municipalities of Rio Grande do SulWhere has it affected 1.95 million peopleWhich corresponds to 17.3% of the 11.3 million inhabitants of this prosperous state.

Of those affected, 71,409 had to take shelter in makeshift accommodation In schools, gyms and churches and Another 339,929 in the homes of family and friends

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Civil Defense also reported that the rescue operation, in which 27,218 firefighters, soldiers and police participated with the support of 3,466 patrols, 41 aircraft and 340 boats, has so far allowed 70,863 people and 9,984 animals rescued,

Devastating floods destroyed parts of some cities; They left many municipalities completely under water and others partially, such as Porto Alegreregional capital, and left great path of destruction,

like city canoes And eldorado do sul Continue under water and other like MuçumStart planning for the reconstruction of what is left only destruction, in higher areas and away from the banks of rivers.

In goldenAlthough the water started receding a little, Roads are literally becoming rivers with currents still fast and dangerous,

on a visit to the news agency efe On board a military boat in this massively flooded city, it is possible to see many dead animals including horses, completely destroyed houses and dozens of vehicles accumulated in some areas, which become visible with the receding waters.

Since many people living in two-storey houses prefer to live in their own homes, The army’s work is no longer solely focused on rescue but on distribution of water and food.

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Some families who returned after being evacuated began to clean their houses, but without knowing whether this work would be useful in the face of the expected new rains and the evictions announced by the mayors.

,We spent five days at the house of my wife’s relatives in Guaiba and now we return to see what is left. but we lost everything“, They said efe A man who identified himself as Leonardo and who was trying to clean his single-story house turned into a mud tank with the same dirty water that covers the city.

Although the priority is prevention, Authorities had to announce security reinforcements this FridayBecause there have been cases of looting in some towns and even sexual assault in some shelters sheltering victims of the disaster.

One of the main concerns is economic impact This tragedy would occur because Rio Grande do Sul is an important agricultural center of the country and is the largest producer of rice in Brazil.

The already dire situation could worsen in the coming days, when new storms are expected to bring rain, cold and strong wind gusts.

According to the Information Minister, the government forecasts that rainfall between Saturday and Sunday will reach 115 mm, which will once again put pressure on the already swollen river levels. Paulo Pimenta,

government of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Thursday announced a financial aid package of 50 billion reais ($9.8 billion) for Rio Grande do Sul.

According to regional authorities, initial needs to deal with the emergency are estimated at 18,839 million reais ($3,663 million).

(with information from EFE)