The loss of life and property is increasing due to the floods that occurred after the rain that has been effective since last week in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the south of the country.
In the statement made by the Rio Grande do Sul Civil Defense, it was stated that the number of people who lost their lives in the flood disaster increased to 100 and 128 people were missing.
It was stated in the statement that 14 thousand 500 personnel worked in the search and rescue operations, supported by the armed forces, and that 25 people were rescued from disaster areas with the help of 30 aircraft and 182 boats. While more than 840 thousand people were negatively affected by floods and material damages, 121 thousand 957 people had to leave their homes.
According to local media, more than one million people have serious difficulties accessing basic needs, and electricity and internet services have completely collapsed in 98 towns.
A SITUATION OF DISASTER WAS DECLARED
In his statement on May 3, Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite stated that there were still areas they could not reach and said, “We are going through an extremely exceptional situation. This is not a critical event, but the most devastating event in the history of the state.” He used the following expressions.
Leite said that due to the magnitude of the tragedy, they declared a “state of disaster” for 180 days and made serious efforts to evacuate people.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who visited the disaster area twice, promised that they would bring the region back to its feet. (AA-IHA)
