Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva assured Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite that the federal government would provide full support to help the southeastern State recover from the intense storms that have claimed the lives of at least 32 people, as reported by Agencia Brasil. The number of casualties is expected to rise with many individuals still missing.

Lula emphasized that the federal government would allocate significant resources to assist the people of Rio Grande do Sul and aid in the reconstruction of areas affected by the recent storms and flooding. This commitment was made during a meeting with Governor Leite in Santa Maria. Leite described the situation as the worst climate disaster in the history of Rio Grande do Sul.

“We will utilize every resource available through government ministries, civil society, and the military to respond quickly to the urgent needs of those impacted by the rainfall,” Lula reiterated after the meeting on Thursday.

Governor Leite cautioned that the current data on deaths and missing persons were preliminary and expected to rise as more information became available. He expressed his grief over the unaccounted fatalities, likely to increase due to landslides and individuals stranded in inaccessible areas for over 48 hours. Leite highlighted the escalating risk in 204 municipalities due to rising river levels and the looming danger of landslides.

The federal government has been actively involved in providing emergency assistance to the affected population since the crisis began. Armed Forces personnel have been conducting search and rescue operations, clearing roads, distributing essential supplies like food and water, and establishing relief centers and shelters.

Rio Grande do Sul has been facing recurring severe weather events, with heavy rains causing destructive floods in the latter half of 2023. The overflow of the Taquari River led to one of the worst inundations in decades, claiming the lives of 50 people.

(Source: Agencia Brasil)