The Takoari and Kai rivers burst their banks and caused further flooding in the interior of the state. Already so farMore than half a million people were forced from their homes and 145 people died in the flood. Rescuers are still searching for the missing people.
The rising water levels in the Tacuari and Cai rivers are of particular concern because they flow into the Guayba River, which has already caused severe flooding in the state capital, Porto Alegre. Most parts of the city of 1.5 million people are under water, with the historic center being particularly badly affected, according to reports. BBC.
Photo: MTI/EPA/EFE
Soldiers are using boats to patrol neighborhoods that were flooded after reports of looting. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva postponed a scheduled visit to Chile to discuss government measures. According to the President, emergency funds will be made available to rebuild damaged infrastructure.
US President Joe Biden said on Saturday that his administration had contacted his Brazilian counterpart to offer assistance.
In the region Residents helped with boats to rescue people trapped in rising waters. Ivan Brizola told BBC News Brazil that he had saved hundreds of people with kayaks, even though he could not swim.
The floods were caused by heavy rains that began at the end of April. According to meteorologists, the beginning of May was the wettest in Porto Alegre in 63 years. ClimaMeter researchers, who study extreme weather events, said periodic rainfall in this region has become more intense due to climate change.
The world has already warmed by about 1.1 degrees Celsius since the beginning of the industrial age, and temperatures will continue to rise unless the world's governments act to radically reduce emissions.
