Heavy rain and landslide in Brazil, 37 dead, more than 600 soldiers engaged in relief work

Brazil News: Heavy rains and landslides are occurring in Rio Grande do Sul, the southern state of Brazil. The governor is calling it the most devastating rain and landslide ever. According to Al Jazeera's report, the death toll due to the disaster has reached 37 and 74 people are reported missing. The death toll may increase.

Governor and President expressed concern

Rain and landslides in the state have given people sleepless nights. Emergency operations have been launched to locate survivors trapped amid the debris of collapsed houses, bridges and roads. Rescue operations are ongoing and the death toll may increase. In view of the situation, Governor Eduardo Leite has declared a state of emergency.

Governor Eduardo Leite said, 'We are dealing with the worst disaster in our history. Rescue operations are ongoing but it is regrettable to say that the death toll may increase. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged full support to the affected area and assured that there will be no shortage of human or material resources to mitigate the problems caused by the extreme weather conditions.

More than 600 soldiers engaged in relief work

Federal assistance has already been mobilized by deploying 12 aircraft, 45 vehicles and 12 boats along with 626 troops to assist in rescue and relief operations. The focus has been on clearing roads, distributing essential supplies such as food, water and mattresses, and setting up shelters for displaced persons.

Meanwhile, the state's main river Guaiba is expected to reach worrying levels. If this happens, a flood situation may arise and the situation may become even more worrying. Forecasting agencies have issued a danger alert. Due to the rain, connectivity with many communities has been lost and there has been considerable loss of life and property. In view of the situation, people have been asked to vacate those places where the risk is high. People are not even able to get drinking water.

Speed up relief work

Federal assistance has already been mobilized by deploying 12 aircraft, 45 vehicles and 12 boats along with 626 troops to assist in rescue and relief operations. The focus has been on clearing roads, distributing essential supplies like food, water and mattresses, and setting up shelters for displaced persons.

Danger warning issued

A warning of danger has also been issued, because the state's main river Guaiba is expected to reach dangerous levels, which will further increase the existing crisis. Entire communities have been cut off, with incessant rains causing serious damage to infrastructure. Officials have urged residents to evacuate from at-risk areas near rivers and hills prone to landslides. Let us tell you that devastating floods and landslides are part of the pattern of weather events occurring in the largest country of South America.