May 8th 2024.
The state of Rio Grande do Sul in south Brazil has been facing some serious challenges in the past 24 hours. The storms that have been raging through the region have claimed the lives of five more people, bringing the death toll to a devastating 90. This information was released by the state's civil defence agency, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Reports from the Xinhua news agency have revealed that the state, which shares borders with Uruguay and Argentina, has been hit hard by heavy rains, floods, and mudslides. These disasters have left 132 people missing and 361 injured, while also forcing over 200,000 residents to flee their homes in the past eight days. The numbers are alarming and showcase the widespread impact of the storms.
The civil defence agency has also shared that the disaster has affected over 1.4 million people in 388 out of the state's 497 towns. Even the capital city of Porto Alegre has not been spared, with more than 85% of its population facing a shortage of potable water. This has led authorities to implement rationing measures to ensure a fair distribution of the limited supply.
In light of the situation, classes have been suspended across the state, as 790 schools have been affected by the floods. Out of these, 388 have sustained damage, while 52 are currently being used as shelters for those who have been evacuated. It's a challenging time for the students and their families, who are struggling to cope with the aftermath of the storms.
The gravity of the situation has not gone unnoticed, as Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has visited the disaster sites and promised federal aid. The government is taking swift action to provide relief to the affected areas and assist those in need. The storms have been caused by a series of climatic phenomena, which have resulted in rain-bearing clouds hovering over half of the state. In fact, in 2023 alone, the state has already been hit by nine extratropical cyclones, adding to the challenges faced by its residents.
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