Over 55 Killed Due to Torrential Rains in Brazil, 70000 Forced To Leave Homes

New Delhi: Over 55 people have been killed, while 70,000 have been forced to move out of ir homes as torrential rains hit Brazil, leing to massive flooding and landslides. Rescue operations are underway to save residents in sourn cities of Brazil as situation gets worse. Emergency responders race against time to locate survivors trapped amidst debris of collapsed homes, bridges, and ros.

It was fourth such environmental disaster in a year, following floods in July, September and November 2023 that killed 75 people in total.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva also acknowledged flood victims at a press conference on Friday alongside Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Brasilia. He vowed assistance to victims of disaster. 

“ first words from Minister Fumio Kishida in meeting we held were of solidarity with people of state of Rio Grande do Sul, who are victims of one of largest floods we have ever known. Never before in history of Brazil h re been such a quantity of rain in one single location,” Lula said at press conference. 

Biggest Disaster in 80 Years 

flooding statewide has surpassed that seen during a historic 1941 deluge, according to Brazilian Geological Service. In some cities, water levels were at ir highest since records began nearly 150 years ago. 

Governor Eduardo Leite has declared a state of emergency. "We are dealing with worst disaster in [our] history," said Governor Leite. As sourn-region grapples with disaster, Governor acknowledged that death toll is expected to rise, as huge number of people are still missing. 

Brazil Braces For More Pain 

people of many cities of Sourn Brazil have been completely cut-off from world, with no electricity or access to phone. Access to basic amenities such as drinking water has been disrupted, leaving hundreds of thousands without essential services.

Forecasters have issued warnings of furr peril, as state's main Guaiba river is anticipated to reach alarming levels, exacerbating existing crisis. Entire communities have been cut off, with infrastructure severely compromised by relentless downpour.

(With agency inputs)