Heavy Rain In Brazil : Heavy rains have wreaked havoc in Brazil’s southern state Rio Grande do Sul. So far 39 people have died in this, 74 people are missing. According to news agency Xinhua, it has been raining continuously since Monday, due to which the rivers are in spate. Roads and bridges have been destroyed. More than 24 thousand people have been affected so far in this disaster. The President and the Governor have also expressed concern. Governor Eduardo Leite said that these are difficult days, when we are asking people to leave their homes. Our priority is to save people, rest we will find the way forward. An emergency operation has been launched to locate people trapped amidst the debris of collapsed houses, bridges and roads. Rescue operations are ongoing and the death toll may increase.
‘The most devastating disaster ever’
According to media reports, the city of Porto Alegre, with a population of more than 14 lakh, has also been put on alert. This is the fourth devastating rain to hit Brazil within 12 months. According to the Guardian report, the previous floods occurred in July, September and November last year, in which 75 people lost their lives. According to the report of the Geological Service, the scope of the flood has exceeded the devastating flood of 1941. The Guardian wrote, water levels in some areas rose to heights not seen in 150 years of recorded history. Actually, it has been raining heavily since Monday, but the situation worsened on Thursday when the dam of a hydropower plant between the cities of Bento Goncalves and Cotipora broke. Areas like Lajedo and Estrella in the Taquari River valley were completely submerged in water. Due to this, people are also facing problems of internet and mobile service. The rescue team is patrolling by helicopter. Families including children trapped on the roofs of houses are being rescued.
Governor and President expressed concern
Governor Leight has declared a state of emergency. Said, we are dealing with the worst disaster in our history. The rescue operation is going on, but it is regrettable to say that the death toll may increase. President Luiz Inacio Lula has promised full support to the affected area. 12 aircraft, 45 vehicles and 12 boats along with 626 soldiers have been deployed to assist in rescue and relief operations. Essential things like cleaning the roads, food, water are being delivered to the people.