Heavy rain in Brazil leads to 78 deaths and many more people missing.

The heavy rains in Brazil's southern state of Rio Grande do Sul have caused widespread flooding and devastation. The death toll has tragically risen to 78, with over 115,000 people displaced from their homes. It's a dire situation that has captured the attention of the nation and the world.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva wasted no time in taking action. He arrived in Rio Grande do Sul on Sunday morning, accompanied by his cabinet members, to discuss rescue and reconstruction efforts with local authorities. In a press conference, he assured that bureaucracy would not hinder their efforts to restore the state's greatness. State governor Eduardo Leite also spoke, emphasizing the need for post-war measures to rebuild the affected areas.

The scenes on the ground are nothing short of a war zone. Volunteers have been tirelessly working to rescue those stranded by using boats, jet skis, and even swimming. Fabiano Saldanha, a resident of Porto Alegre, shared how he and his friends have used jet skis to save 50 people from flood waters on the city's islands. "The only thing we hear when we enter a street is 'help, help'," he said.

Despite the valiant efforts of volunteers, the death toll is expected to rise as 105 people are still reported missing. This number has increased from the previous day, where around 70 people were unaccounted for. The state civil defense authority is also looking into four potential storm-related deaths. The flooding has affected more than two-thirds of the state's cities, leaving over 115,000 people without a home.

The storms have caused immense damage, destroying roads, bridges, and even a small hydroelectric power plant. More than 400,000 people were without power, and nearly a third of the state's population was without water. The situation in Porto Alegre is particularly dire, as the Guaiba lake has breached its banks and reached its highest water level in history. The international airport has been shut down since Friday, leaving travelers stranded.

At a makeshift rescue center in Porto Alegre, Kaeli Moraes shared her harrowing experience of being rescued from her home when the water had almost reached the second floor. "This is the third time this year that we've experienced flooding," she said, "and it's only getting worse." In the nearby city of Canoas, 76-year-old Julio Manichesque was rescued by volunteers after spending three days on the roof of his house. "I have never seen so much water," he said, still in shock.

The situation has captured the attention of the world, with even Pope Francis offering his prayers for the people of Rio Grande do Sul during his weekly address in Vatican City. As the state begins the long process of recovery and reconstruction, there is hope that the resilience and strength of the Brazilian people will prevail.

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