Last week, major floods devastated cities in northern Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state, leading meteorologist Estael Sias to evacuate her family from their home in Canoas. With over 100 people already dead and 130 missing, more than 230,000 have been displaced in the region. Despite warnings of impending storms, some residents have returned to their flooded homes, risking their safety.
Authorities are working to rescue survivors and provide relief, but the situation remains dire. Porto Alegre has become a shelter for hundreds of displaced individuals, like Heitor da Silva, who are unsure of what the future holds. Eldorado do Sul, one of the hardest-hit areas, is facing total evacuation, with homes submerged and residents using makeshift rafts to navigate the floodwaters.
As the state braces for more heavy rainfall, the focus is on rescue operations and providing aid to the affected population. The government has declared a state of calamity and is seeking assistance to rebuild the devastated regions. With damages estimated at nearly $930 million, recovery efforts are expected to be long and challenging.