In Brazil’s southern region, nearly 90,000 individuals have been forced to evacuate their homes due to flooding, mudslides, and heavy rainfall. The floods have resulted in the deaths of at least 70 people, with over a hundred individuals still missing. The city of Porto Alegre is facing a critical shortage of drinking water as 70% of its population has been affected by the floods.

Those who have been displaced by the flooding have sought refuge in shelters set up in various locations such as sports centers, schools, and other facilities. However, tragedy struck when two individuals also died in an explosion at a flooded gas station in Porto Alegre.

Forecasters predict that water levels will continue to rise on Monday as the rains persist. Water levels have rapidly increased in Rio Grande do Sul, causing severe strain on dams and leading to overwhelming flooding in Porto Alegre. Residential areas have been submerged, roads destroyed, and bridges swept away due to the powerful currents of floodwater. Many people in Porto Alegre have taken to rooftops to await rescue while others navigate flooded streets in canoes and small boats. Over 300 other cities and villages are also grappling with the devastating impact of the floods.

Governor Eduardo Leite of Rio Grande do Sul has acknowledged that significant investments will be needed for the post-disaster recovery efforts. Porto Alegre International Airport has been forced to suspend all flights indefinitely due to the floods. Environmental scientist Francisco Eliseu Aquino attributes the destructive storms to global warming and the El Nino weather phenomenon, warning of the increased frequency of extreme weather events in Brazil.

In conclusion, authorities report more than a million people lack clean drinking water access while nearly 90 thousand individuals were forced out from their homes due to natural disasters such as flooding and mudslides resulting from heavy rainfall across Brazil’s southern region