<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid0tw1GoUlD7hY" /></p>

<p>Experts warned on Wednesday (May 15) that Brazil's&nbsp;Porto Alegre (which is&nbsp;the capital of Rio Grande do Sul state)&nbsp;might suffer severe flooding for weeks to come. According to Brazil's national weather service INMET, parts of Rio Grande do Sul&nbsp;have seen more than 25 inches of rain&nbsp;so far&nbsp;this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by the news agency Reuters said that the waters of Lake Guaiba, which breached its banks to flood&nbsp;Porto Alegre,&nbsp;have risen again this week to 17.13 feet.&nbsp;This&nbsp;was well above the flood level of 9.8 feet&nbsp;and close to last week's all-time record of 17.4 feet.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-thousands-evacuated-as-flash-floods-cold-lava-flow-kills-50-721153">Indonesia: Thousands evacuated as flash floods, cold lava flow kill 50</a></strong></p>

<p>The report said&nbsp;that the&nbsp;floods devastated dozens of towns island from Porto Alegre, where the downtown area remained underwater.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in&nbsp;Rio Grande do Sul at 149; 108 still&nbsp;missing</strong></h2>

<p>A total of 149 people have died in Rio Grande do Sul due to the floods&nbsp;and&nbsp;108 people are still missing. Citing state officials, Reuters reported that around 250,000 houses are still without power and over 136,000 people have lost access to water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>An initial forecast from the&nbsp;UFRGS Institute of Hydraulic Research (IP) suggested that&nbsp;the water could take 35 days to return to normal levels based on the experiences of the flood in 1941.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;BRICS group of nations pledge billion dollars for Southern Brazil</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-floods-brics-group-of-nations-pledge-billion-dollars-for-southern-brazil-721762/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Experts, meanwhile, said that Lake Guaiba should return slowly to below flood levels within weeks or even by mid-June.&nbsp;Renewed rainfall over the last few days led to a new rise in the Guaiba water level, alerting&nbsp;authorities to warn residents not to return to&nbsp;areas at risk.</p>

<h2><strong>President Lula announces financial&nbsp;aid</strong></h2>

<p>Brazilian President&nbsp;Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said&nbsp;on Wednesday that the federal government would distribute&nbsp;$992 (5,100 reais) to&nbsp;240,000 families&nbsp;which&nbsp;have&nbsp;lost their houses or furniture in the floods.</p>

<p>Speaking at&nbsp;Rio Grand do Sul's&nbsp;Sao Leopoldo, President Lula&nbsp;said his administration will bring forward the payment of some social benefits for the state's citizens while planning to buy homes from the private sector to give to the displaced people.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Experts warned on Wednesday (May 15) that Brazil's Porto Alegre (which is the capital of Rio Grande do Sul state) might suffer severe flooding for weeks to come.

Experts warned on Wednesday (May 15) that Brazil's Porto Alegre (which is the capital of Rio Grande do Sul state) might suffer severe flooding for weeks to come. According to Brazil's national weather service INMET, parts of Rio Grande do Sul have seen more than 25 inches of rain so far this month. A report by the news agency Reuters said that the waters of Lake Guaiba, which breached its banks to flood Porto Alegre, have risen again this week to 17.13 feet. This was well above the flood level of 9.8 feet and close to last week's all-time record of 17.4 feet. Also read | Indonesia: Thousands evacuated as flash floods, cold lava flow kill 50 The report said that the floods devastated dozens of towns island from Porto Alegre, where the downtown area remained underwater. Death toll in Rio Grande do Sul at 149; 108 still missing A total of 149 people have died in Rio Grande do Sul due to the floods and 108 people are still missing. Citing state officials, Reuters reported that around 250,000 houses are still without power and over 136,000 people have lost access to water. An initial forecast from the UFRGS Institute of Hydraulic Research (IP) suggested that the water could take 35 days to return to normal levels based on the experiences of the flood in 1941. Also watch | BRICS group of nations pledge billion dollars for Southern Brazil × Experts, meanwhile, said that Lake Guaiba should return slowly to below flood levels within weeks or even by mid-June. Renewed rainfall over the last few days led to a new rise in the Guaiba water level, alerting authorities to warn residents not to return to areas at risk. President Lula announces financial aid Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Wednesday that the federal government would distribute $992 (5,100 reais) to 240,000 families which have lost their houses or furniture in the floods. Speaking at Rio Grand do Sul's Sao Leopoldo, President Lula said his administration will bring forward the payment of some social benefits for the state's citizens while planning to buy homes from the private sector to give to the displaced people. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil floods: Porto Alegre may suffer severe flooding for weeks to come, experts warn

Record-breaking floods hit #Dubai after 75 years. Deadly floods batter Texas Flooding in the #Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul leaves hundreds of towns under water Flood fury sweeps across continents. Heavy rains bring life to a standstill for many around the world. Is this year with massive floods just an anomaly or is this the new climate normal? On #WionWideAngle, we explore.

Extreme Flooding: The new climate normal

<p>The death toll from severe flooding in southern&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;has risen to 107, civil defense said on Thursday, as rescue operations continued and authorities began to see the cost of recovering from the devastation in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.</p>

<p>In a dramatic symbol of the disaster, rescuers saved a horsethat had been trapped precariously for two days on a rooftop in a badly flooded town.</p>

<p>More rains are forecast in the coming days, raising fears that water levels will rise further in the inundated state capital of Porto Alegre and nearby town where streets have turned into rivers.</p>

<p>At least 136 people are still missing and more than 165,000 have been displaced from flooded homes and rescued by boats and helicopters.</p>

<p>Television images showed the horse straddling the roof of a farmhouse on the outskirts of Canoas, a town north of Porto Alegre. The animal was secured by firemen and loaded into a Zodiac inflatable boat to take it to safety.</p>

<p>The floods have destroyed infrastructure and bridges, blocking access to Porto Alegre, where supermarket shelves are empty and looting has been reported at night.</p>

<p>Governor Eduardo Leite said initial calculations indicate that Rio Grande do Sul will need at least 19 billion reais ($3.68 billion) to rebuild from the damage, which has extended into farm areas around the capital.</p>

<p>"The effect of the floods and the extent of the tragedy are devastating," he said on social media.</p>

<p>In Brasilia, the federal government estimated the fiscal impact of the flooding at 7.7 billion reais ($1.49 billion), mostly due to the injection of funds into a support program for small businesses hit by the floods.</p>

<p>"This doesn't end here," President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said at an event announcing steps to help the stricken state. Lula said the full extent of Rio Grande do Sul's needs would be known only when the water recedes.</p>


The death toll from severe flooding in southern Brazil has risen to 107, civil defense said on Thursday, as rescue operations continued and authorities began to see the cost of recovering from the devastation in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.

The death toll from severe flooding in southern Brazil has risen to 107, civil defense said on Thursday, as rescue operations continued and authorities began to see the cost of recovering from the devastation in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. In a dramatic symbol of the disaster, rescuers saved a horsethat had been trapped precariously for two days on a rooftop in a badly flooded town. More rains are forecast in the coming days, raising fears that water levels will rise further in the inundated state capital of Porto Alegre and nearby town where streets have turned into rivers. At least 136 people are still missing and more than 165,000 have been displaced from flooded homes and rescued by boats and helicopters. Television images showed the horse straddling the roof of a farmhouse on the outskirts of Canoas, a town north of Porto Alegre. The animal was secured by firemen and loaded into a Zodiac inflatable boat to take it to safety. The floods have destroyed infrastructure and bridges, blocking access to Porto Alegre, where supermarket shelves are empty and looting has been reported at night. Governor Eduardo Leite said initial calculations indicate that Rio Grande do Sul will need at least 19 billion reais ($3.68 billion) to rebuild from the damage, which has extended into farm areas around the capital. "The effect of the floods and the extent of the tragedy are devastating," he said on social media. In Brasilia, the federal government estimated the fiscal impact of the flooding at 7.7 billion reais ($1.49 billion), mostly due to the injection of funds into a support program for small businesses hit by the floods. "This doesn't end here," President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said at an event announcing steps to help the stricken state. Lula said the full extent of Rio Grande do Sul's needs would be known only when the water recedes.

Deaths in Brazil floods rise to 107, horse rescued from rooftop

<p>Nearly 100,000 homes have been destroyed while over 100 people are reported dead in the devastating flooding in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul in the country's South. More than a week of record-breaking rainfall has taken a toll over lives and lifelines in this part of Brazil with authorities scrambling to rescue affected individuals.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Brazil Floods: What's the current status?</strong></h2>

<p>Brazil's National Confederation of Municipalities said in an update on Wednesday (May 8) that overflowing rivers and floods in the state have affected around 1.45 million people and forced some 200,000 residents to flee their homes, Xinhua news agency reported.</p>

<p>Nearly 100,000 homes of all types have been affected based on data from the Civil Defence agency. These many homes have sustained either total or partial damage since the state's worst weather-related disaster hit on April 29, according to the confederation.</p>

<p>The state also borders Argentina and Uruguay. As many as 414 of 497 towns in the state, which is also a top agricultural and livestock producer, have suffered from the storms and therefore declared emergencies.</p>

<p>The confederation estimates the economic losses at 4.6 billion reals (about $904 million), after it took into account the damage to housing and public infrastructure, as well as agriculture, livestock, industry, commerce and services.</p>

<p>In just one week, Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul saw five months' worth of rain, causing unprecedented flooding.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-floods-death-toll-rises-to-90-dozens-still-stranded-719131">Brazil floods death toll rises to 90, dozens still stranded</a></strong></p>

<p>Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has promised that there would be "no lack of resources" in the rehabilitation of the displaced residents and that the rescue effort would continue till it achieves its objective.</p>

<p>"We understand the difficult financial situation faced by Rio Grande do Sul," he said at an event in Brasilia, adding he wanted to make sure the state would get "everything it is entitled to".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Brazil floods: Heavy rains lash Southern state of Rio Grande Do Su | Latest News | WION</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-floods-heavy-rains-lash-southern-state-of-rio-grande-do-su-718082/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"We still don’t know the exact dimension of the floods, that will only be clear to us when the water levels return to normal," Lula said.</p>

<p>About 15,000 soldiers, firefighters, police and volunteers were reportedly&nbsp;at work across the state to rescue those trapped and transport aid.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Nearly 100,000 homes have been destroyed while over 100 people are reported dead in the devastating flooding in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul in the country's South.

Nearly 100,000 homes have been destroyed while over 100 people are reported dead in the devastating flooding in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul in the country's South. More than a week of record-breaking rainfall has taken a toll over lives and lifelines in this part of Brazil with authorities scrambling to rescue affected individuals. Brazil Floods: What's the current status? Brazil's National Confederation of Municipalities said in an update on Wednesday (May 8) that overflowing rivers and floods in the state have affected around 1.45 million people and forced some 200,000 residents to flee their homes, Xinhua news agency reported. Nearly 100,000 homes of all types have been affected based on data from the Civil Defence agency. These many homes have sustained either total or partial damage since the state's worst weather-related disaster hit on April 29, according to the confederation. The state also borders Argentina and Uruguay. As many as 414 of 497 towns in the state, which is also a top agricultural and livestock producer, have suffered from the storms and therefore declared emergencies. The confederation estimates the economic losses at 4.6 billion reals (about $904 million), after it took into account the damage to housing and public infrastructure, as well as agriculture, livestock, industry, commerce and services. In just one week, Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul saw five months' worth of rain, causing unprecedented flooding. Also read | Brazil floods death toll rises to 90, dozens still stranded Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has promised that there would be "no lack of resources" in the rehabilitation of the displaced residents and that the rescue effort would continue till it achieves its objective. "We understand the difficult financial situation faced by Rio Grande do Sul," he said at an event in Brasilia, adding he wanted to make sure the state would get "everything it is entitled to". Also watch | Brazil floods: Heavy rains lash Southern state of Rio Grande Do Su | Latest News | WION × "We still don’t know the exact dimension of the floods, that will only be clear to us when the water levels return to normal," Lula said. About 15,000 soldiers, firefighters, police and volunteers were reportedly at work across the state to rescue those trapped and transport aid. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil floods destroy nearly 100,000 homes, death toll surpasses 100

<p>Rescue efforts in flood-stricken southern Brazil were hampered on Wednesday (May 8) by renewed rain and the threat of lightning and strong winds. These weather conditions risk worsening calamity that has already claimed at least 100 lives and displaced over 163,000 people.</p>

<p>The floods that started last week, caused by unusually heavy rains, have destroyed highways and bridges in the state of Rio Grande do Sul.</p>

<p>Around 128 people are still missing, the state's civil defense authority said and urged people living close to the Patos lagoon to leave their homes immediately.</p>

<p>The army soldiers were seen using the amphibious armored cars to rescue people from flooding in Canoas, where the waters have reached a depth of some three meters (10 ft) and the streets can only be navigated by boat.</p>

<p>"I have been living in this tractor with my children, to survive this calamity. We believe it will pass," an exhausted Farias told Reuters. He said he had slept little and eaten less.</p>

<h2><strong>RISK OF MORE FLOODS</strong></h2>

<p>Brazil's disaster center placed the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul under high risk as heavy rain is expected to resume imminently. Weather forecaster MetSul warns of very large floods of serious proportions for the area.</p>

<p>In neighboring Uruguay, storms and flooding have closed highways and left nearly 800 people displaced and over 3,000 people without power, the government said.</p>

<p>In Brazil, many residents in and around Porto Alegre, a city of 1.3 million people, have been living in darkness after power companies cut off electricity for security reasons.</p>

<p>The residents have faced shortages of products, especially drinking water. Supermarket managers said there was no access for supply trucks or employees trying to get to work. Mineral water sales were restricted in some supermarkets.</p>

<p>Meanwhile the volunteer rescue operations after dark in Porto Alegre were also hampered by looting.<br />
"We are not going out to rescue people at night without an armed escort, because it has become too risky," volunteer Lauro Strogulski said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rescue efforts in flood-stricken southern Brazil were hampered on Wednesday (May 8) by renewed rain and the threat of lightning and strong winds. These weather conditions risk worsening calamity that has already claimed at least 100 lives and displaced over 163,000 people.

Rescue efforts in flood-stricken southern Brazil were hampered on Wednesday (May 8) by renewed rain and the threat of lightning and strong winds. These weather conditions risk worsening calamity that has already claimed at least 100 lives and displaced over 163,000 people. The floods that started last week, caused by unusually heavy rains, have destroyed highways and bridges in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. Around 128 people are still missing, the state's civil defense authority said and urged people living close to the Patos lagoon to leave their homes immediately. The army soldiers were seen using the amphibious armored cars to rescue people from flooding in Canoas, where the waters have reached a depth of some three meters (10 ft) and the streets can only be navigated by boat. "I have been living in this tractor with my children, to survive this calamity. We believe it will pass," an exhausted Farias told Reuters. He said he had slept little and eaten less. RISK OF MORE FLOODS Brazil's disaster center placed the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul under high risk as heavy rain is expected to resume imminently. Weather forecaster MetSul warns of very large floods of serious proportions for the area. In neighboring Uruguay, storms and flooding have closed highways and left nearly 800 people displaced and over 3,000 people without power, the government said. In Brazil, many residents in and around Porto Alegre, a city of 1.3 million people, have been living in darkness after power companies cut off electricity for security reasons. The residents have faced shortages of products, especially drinking water. Supermarket managers said there was no access for supply trucks or employees trying to get to work. Mineral water sales were restricted in some supermarkets. Meanwhile the volunteer rescue operations after dark in Porto Alegre were also hampered by looting. "We are not going out to rescue people at night without an armed escort, because it has become too risky," volunteer Lauro Strogulski said. (With inputs from agencies)

Fresh rains hinder rescue efforts in flood-ravaged southern Brazil

<p>Gisele Bündchen is trying to make a difference as her home state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil has been ravaged by devastating flooding.</p>

<p>The supermodel made an emotional plea to her fans on Wednesday, May 8, asking her followers to consider donating to the Luz Alliance Fund, an initiative she created in partnership with the Brazil Foundation to provide humanitarian pandemic relief to families in Brazil.<br />
<br />
Bundchen shared an Instagram Reel containing photos and video of the damage in southern Brazil. The model referred to the flooding as "the worst tragedy in its history."<br />
<br />
"Heavy rains flooded entire towns in most parts of the state. It's not one or two cities; it's more than 350 cities affected. People are not only losing their houses (and)&nbsp;their jobs. They're losing everything. And there are many still to be rescued. Nobody was ready for such devastation," she explained.</p>

<p><br />
"Towns are isolated. Roads and bridges were destroyed. People have no electricity. No clean water to drink. Many have been separated from their loved ones," Bündchen continued. "And the saddest is that many lives were lost. it's painful. It's heartbreaking."<br />
<br />
Bündchen ended her video by asking her followers to join her in making donations and helping "in any way that you can."<br />
<br />
"Let’s all join together to help the thousands of people who need us. No amount is too small. Together we can make a difference," she added in a written message at the end of the clip.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6uN_Qxusvw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6uN_Qxusvw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6uN_Qxusvw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6uN_Qxusvw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Gisele Bündchen (@gisele)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The model also said that people near the affected area could help by donating "mattresses and pillows, all types of bedding, toiletries, cleaning products, all types of clothing for all ages, furniture, appliances, pet food, and general daily living items."<br />
<br />
<strong>Floods in Brazil</strong></p>

<p><br />
On Wednesday, the Rio Grande do Sul state civil defence force announced that there have been 100 confirmed deaths since the flooding began.<br />
<br />
Nearly 100,000 homes of all types have been affected based on data from the Civil Defence agency. These many homes have sustained either total or partial damage since the state's worst weather-related disaster hit on April 29, according to the confederation.<br />
<br />
The state also borders Argentina and Uruguay. As many as 414 of 497 towns in the state, which is also a top agricultural and livestock producer, have suffered from the storms and therefore declared emergencies.<br />
<br />
Earlier this week, a source told PEOPLE that one of the reasons Bündchen decided to skip Monday's Met Gala was because of the devastation in Brazil.</p>

<p><br />
"She's busy with her family down in Miami. She has a totally full life, and she's very busy with her kids. Plus, she's been working more than she has in 20 years this past year. She has so many projects; she's been working all the time," the source said.</p>

<h1><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-floods-destroy-nearly-100000-homes-death-toll-surpasses-100-719510">Brazil floods destroy nearly 100,000 homes, death toll surpasses 100</a></h1>


Gisele Bündchen is trying to make a difference as her home state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil has been ravaged by devastating flooding. The supermodel made an emotional plea to her fans on Wednesday, May 8, asking her followers to consider donating to the Luz Alliance Fund, an initiative she created in partnership with the Brazil Foundation to provide humanitarian pandemic relief to families in Brazil.

Gisele Bündchen is trying to make a difference as her home state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil has been ravaged by devastating flooding. The supermodel made an emotional plea to her fans on Wednesday, May 8, asking her followers to consider donating to the Luz Alliance Fund, an initiative she created in partnership with the Brazil Foundation to provide humanitarian pandemic relief to families in Brazil. Bundchen shared an Instagram Reel containing photos and video of the damage in southern Brazil. The model referred to the flooding as "the worst tragedy in its history." "Heavy rains flooded entire towns in most parts of the state. It's not one or two cities; it's more than 350 cities affected. People are not only losing their houses (and) their jobs. They're losing everything. And there are many still to be rescued. Nobody was ready for such devastation," she explained. "Towns are isolated. Roads and bridges were destroyed. People have no electricity. No clean water to drink. Many have been separated from their loved ones," Bündchen continued. "And the saddest is that many lives were lost. it's painful. It's heartbreaking." Bündchen ended her video by asking her followers to join her in making donations and helping "in any way that you can." "Let’s all join together to help the thousands of people who need us. No amount is too small. Together we can make a difference," she added in a written message at the end of the clip. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gisele Bündchen (@gisele) × The model also said that people near the affected area could help by donating "mattresses and pillows, all types of bedding, toiletries, cleaning products, all types of clothing for all ages, furniture, appliances, pet food, and general daily living items." Floods in Brazil On Wednesday, the Rio Grande do Sul state civil defence force announced that there have been 100 confirmed deaths since the flooding began. Nearly 100,000 homes of all types have been affected based on data from the Civil Defence agency. These many homes have sustained either total or partial damage since the state's worst weather-related disaster hit on April 29, according to the confederation. The state also borders Argentina and Uruguay. As many as 414 of 497 towns in the state, which is also a top agricultural and livestock producer, have suffered from the storms and therefore declared emergencies. Earlier this week, a source told PEOPLE that one of the reasons Bündchen decided to skip Monday's Met Gala was because of the devastation in Brazil. "She's busy with her family down in Miami. She has a totally full life, and she's very busy with her kids. Plus, she's been working more than she has in 20 years this past year. She has so many projects; she's been working all the time," the source said. Brazil floods destroy nearly 100,000 homes, death toll surpasses 100

Gisele Bündchen urges fans to donate for Brazil floods in an emotional message

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid1bjU0cESqcs5" /></p>

<p>Deadly flooding, mudslides, and torrential storms in southern Brazil have forced&nbsp;69,200 people from their homes, the country's civil defence agency said on Saturday (May 4). The agency&nbsp;said&nbsp;that Porto Alegre was among the worst-affected regions.&nbsp;Raging floodwaters have left 57 dead, 74 people injured, and another 67 missing, the agency added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by the news agency AFP early Sunday said that fast-rising water levels&nbsp;in&nbsp;the state of&nbsp;Rio Grande do Sul were straining dams and particularly&nbsp;threatening&nbsp;Porto Alegre, a city of 1.4 million. The above death toll did not include&nbsp;two people who died in an explosion at a flooded gas station in the city, the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-woman-wheels-corpse-of-an-elderly-man-into-bank-to-sign-for-loan-712419">Brazil woman wheels in corpse of an elderly man into bank to 'sign' for a loan</a></strong></p>

<p>The Guaiba River, which flows through&nbsp;Porto Alegre, was at a historic high of&nbsp;5.04 metres. This level was well above the 4.76 metres that had stood as a record since the devastating 1941 floods.</p>

<h2><strong>Over 1 million lack access to potable water</strong></h2>

<p>The civil defence agency also said&nbsp;on Saturday&nbsp;that&nbsp;more than a million people lacked access to potable water amid the flooding.&nbsp;Authorities were&nbsp;scrambling to evacuate swamped neighbourhoods as residents struggled&nbsp;in chaotic conditions&nbsp;to find their way to safety.</p>

<p>The international airport at&nbsp;Porto Alegre suspended all flights for an&nbsp;undetermined period.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Brazil floods: Heavy rains lash Southern state of Rio Grande Do Sul</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/brazil-floods-heavy-rains-lash-southern-state-of-rio-grande-do-sul-718062/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite said his state would require a&nbsp;"Marshall Plan" of heavy investment to rebuild after the catastrophe. Since Monday, at least 300 municipalities in the state&nbsp;have suffered storm damage&nbsp;in the state.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>President Lula visits&nbsp;Rio Grande do&nbsp;Sul&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Thursday, Brazilian President&nbsp;&nbsp;Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva&nbsp;paid a visit to&nbsp;Rio Grande do Sul.&nbsp;A report by the news agency Reuters said&nbsp;that President Lula would travel back to the state on Sunday to follow the rescue efforts.</p>

<p>Lula said on X that his government was in constant contact with state and city authorities to support the region with whatever they needed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Deadly flooding, mudslides, and torrential storms in southern Brazil have forced 69,200 people from their homes, the country's civil defence agency said on Saturday (May 4).

Deadly flooding, mudslides, and torrential storms in southern Brazil have forced 69,200 people from their homes, the country's civil defence agency said on Saturday (May 4). The agency said that Porto Alegre was among the worst-affected regions. Raging floodwaters have left 57 dead, 74 people injured, and another 67 missing, the agency added. A report by the news agency AFP early Sunday said that fast-rising water levels in the state of Rio Grande do Sul were straining dams and particularly threatening Porto Alegre, a city of 1.4 million. The above death toll did not include two people who died in an explosion at a flooded gas station in the city, the report added. Also read | Brazil woman wheels in corpse of an elderly man into bank to 'sign' for a loan The Guaiba River, which flows through Porto Alegre, was at a historic high of 5.04 metres. This level was well above the 4.76 metres that had stood as a record since the devastating 1941 floods. Over 1 million lack access to potable water The civil defence agency also said on Saturday that more than a million people lacked access to potable water amid the flooding. Authorities were scrambling to evacuate swamped neighbourhoods as residents struggled in chaotic conditions to find their way to safety. The international airport at Porto Alegre suspended all flights for an undetermined period. Also watch | Brazil floods: Heavy rains lash Southern state of Rio Grande Do Sul × Meanwhile, Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite said his state would require a "Marshall Plan" of heavy investment to rebuild after the catastrophe. Since Monday, at least 300 municipalities in the state have suffered storm damage in the state. President Lula visits Rio Grande do Sul On Thursday, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva paid a visit to Rio Grande do Sul. A report by the news agency Reuters said that President Lula would travel back to the state on Sunday to follow the rescue efforts. Lula said on X that his government was in constant contact with state and city authorities to support the region with whatever they needed. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil floods: Nearly 70,000 forced from homes, death toll at 57

In Brazil, heavy floods have affected over 100 thousand people in the northwestern state of Acre. Over 12,000 people have been displaced in Acre state after heavy flooding hit the region following several days of torrential rain.

Over 12,000 people displaced in flood-hit Brazilian state

<p>Just days after facing a deadly cyclone that killed at least 41 people in the southern region, Brazil is bracing for another storm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to officials, the extratropical cyclone that descended upon the state of Rio Grande do Sul, left behind a trail of destruction, with 25 people still unaccounted for.</p>

<p>What’s concerning is that the new storm is also expected to hit the country’s south only, which could very well exacerbate the crisis and drive the death toll higher.</p>

<p>Late Thursday, “a cold front will advance along the border with Uruguay and will reinforce instabilities in the southern regions of the state, expanding to northern areas between Thursday night and early Friday,” according to a warning from the state government, citing a meteorologist.</p>

<h2><strong>What happened last week?</strong></h2>

<p>A massive cyclone resulted in the unprecedented swelling of the Taquari river, which submerged whole neighbourhoods in Rio Grande do Sol, forcing many people to climb onto roofs while awaiting rescue.</p>

<p>According to local media, more than 10,000 people were forced to leave their homes from at least 83 municipalities.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;G20 Summit 2023: Summit concludes in New Delhi, Brazil handed over presidency</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g20-summit-2023-summit-concludes-in-new-delhi-brazil-handed-over-presidency-634633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“Almost a thousand rescuers and a dozen helicopters were involved in rescue efforts that continued Thursday, complicated by the destruction of two bridges and 16 roads fully or partially blocked”, officials said.</p>

<h2><strong>What’s making cyclones in Brazil deadlier?</strong></h2>

<p>According to researchers, it’s a deadly combination of climate change and unplanned urbanisation that is making cyclones deadlier in Brazil.</p>

<p>Francis Lacerda, a researcher at the Pernambuco State Agronomy Institute’s Climate Change Laboratory, says that even though the country is not used to frequent cyclones, it is becoming “more and more frequent” for them to make landfall in the country.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-says-india-has-unwavering-faith-in-brazil-for-next-g20-presidency-holds-talks-with-president-lula-634642"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;PM Modi says India has `unwavering faith` in Brazil for next G20 presidency, holds talks with President Lula</strong></a></p>

<p>He added that irregular housing on hillsides and unchecked urbanisation were worsening the weather crisis in Brazil.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>Previous weather crises in Brazil</strong></p>

<p>Earlier in June, a similar cyclone left at least 13 dead in Rio Grande do Sul and forced thousands of people from their homes.</p>

<p>In February, massive landslides and record flooding in the southeastern resort town of Sao Sebastiao, on the coast of Sao Paulo state ended up killing 65 people.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Just days after facing a deadly cyclone that killed at least 41 people in the southern region, Brazil is bracing for another storm. According to officials, the extratropical cyclone that descended upon the state of Rio Grande do Sul, left behind a trail of destruction, with 25 people still unaccounted for.

Just days after facing a deadly cyclone that killed at least 41 people in the southern region, Brazil is bracing for another storm. According to officials, the extratropical cyclone that descended upon the state of Rio Grande do Sul, left behind a trail of destruction, with 25 people still unaccounted for. What’s concerning is that the new storm is also expected to hit the country’s south only, which could very well exacerbate the crisis and drive the death toll higher. Late Thursday, “a cold front will advance along the border with Uruguay and will reinforce instabilities in the southern regions of the state, expanding to northern areas between Thursday night and early Friday,” according to a warning from the state government, citing a meteorologist. What happened last week? A massive cyclone resulted in the unprecedented swelling of the Taquari river, which submerged whole neighbourhoods in Rio Grande do Sol, forcing many people to climb onto roofs while awaiting rescue. According to local media, more than 10,000 people were forced to leave their homes from at least 83 municipalities. Watch: G20 Summit 2023: Summit concludes in New Delhi, Brazil handed over presidency × “Almost a thousand rescuers and a dozen helicopters were involved in rescue efforts that continued Thursday, complicated by the destruction of two bridges and 16 roads fully or partially blocked”, officials said. What’s making cyclones in Brazil deadlier? According to researchers, it’s a deadly combination of climate change and unplanned urbanisation that is making cyclones deadlier in Brazil. Francis Lacerda, a researcher at the Pernambuco State Agronomy Institute’s Climate Change Laboratory, says that even though the country is not used to frequent cyclones, it is becoming “more and more frequent” for them to make landfall in the country. Also read: PM Modi says India has `unwavering faith` in Brazil for next G20 presidency, holds talks with President Lula He added that irregular housing on hillsides and unchecked urbanisation were worsening the weather crisis in Brazil. Previous weather crises in Brazil Earlier in June, a similar cyclone left at least 13 dead in Rio Grande do Sul and forced thousands of people from their homes. In February, massive landslides and record flooding in the southeastern resort town of Sao Sebastiao, on the coast of Sao Paulo state ended up killing 65 people. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Brazil’s south braces for another storm after facing deadly cyclone last week

Brazilian President Lula da Silva visited Southern Brazil where torrential rains, subsequent floods and landslides have killed 40 people so far. With the numbers expected to rise further, three dozen remain missing.

Brazil floods kill 40, three dozen missing; President Lula da Silva calls for safer housing

In Pics | Floods and landslides batter Brazil, killing 36 people

The South American nation of Brazil is often hit by landslides. In the latest, the country's southern part was hit by a landslide following heavy rain. The landslide ripped across section of the highway sweeping some 20 cars and trucks. The mud came rushing down a steep slope after days of heavy rains in the state of Piranhas.

WION Climate Tracker: Torrential rain inundates southern Brazil; emergency in 17 cities

<p>At least 106 people have died and 10 are still missing in Brazil, the government said on Tuesday, as heavy rains tore through urban towns in the northeastern part of the country for a sixth consecutive day.<br />
<br />
The governor of the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Paulo Camara, in an interview with local media, said the government`s priority was to find those still missing amid mudslides and major flooding.<br />
<br />
"We will not stop until we find all those missing. This is a fundamental point at the moment," Camara said.<br />
<br />
The National Civil Defense said on Twitter that an alert was in place for the "very high" possibility of more flooding in Pernambuco, including its capital, Recife.<br />
<br />
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visited the state on Tuesday and flew over the affected areas. He promised to send help and resources to families who had been impacted.<br />
<br />
It is the fourth major flooding event in five months, underlining a lack of urban planning in low-income neighborhoods throughout much of Brazil, where shantytowns are often built on hillsides prone to collapse.<br />
<br />
In late December and early January, dozens were killed and tens of thousands were displaced when rains hammered Bahia state, also located in northeastern Brazil. At least another 18 died during floods in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo later in January, while torrential downpours in Rio de Janeiro state killed over 230 the following month.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


At least 106 people have died and 10 are still missing in Brazil, the government said on Tuesday, as heavy rains tore through urban towns in the northeastern part of the country for a sixth consecutive day.

At least 106 people have died and 10 are still missing in Brazil, the government said on Tuesday, as heavy rains tore through urban towns in the northeastern part of the country for a sixth consecutive day. The governor of the northeastern state of Pernambuco, Paulo Camara, in an interview with local media, said the government`s priority was to find those still missing amid mudslides and major flooding. "We will not stop until we find all those missing. This is a fundamental point at the moment," Camara said. The National Civil Defense said on Twitter that an alert was in place for the "very high" possibility of more flooding in Pernambuco, including its capital, Recife. Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visited the state on Tuesday and flew over the affected areas. He promised to send help and resources to families who had been impacted. It is the fourth major flooding event in five months, underlining a lack of urban planning in low-income neighborhoods throughout much of Brazil, where shantytowns are often built on hillsides prone to collapse. In late December and early January, dozens were killed and tens of thousands were displaced when rains hammered Bahia state, also located in northeastern Brazil. At least another 18 died during floods in the southeastern state of Sao Paulo later in January, while torrential downpours in Rio de Janeiro state killed over 230 the following month. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Death toll in Brazilian floods rises to 106, 10 still missing

Brazil flood: Death toll reaches 57, thousands displaced

The parts of Brazil are underwater after weeks of heavy rainfall and complicating matters further two dams have developed some cracks and resulted in swamping in the already inundated areas in several parts of Brazil.

Several parts of Brazil are under water after weeks of heavy rainfall

Heavy rains in the Amazon Rainforest are causing rivers to reach record levels in the rainy cross-section of the Amazon river. The Brazilian geological service confirmed that the water levels are set to reach a record 30 meters, the highest level since records began in 1902.

Amazon rivers in Brazil are swelling to record levels

<p>Violent rain has killed scores of people and forced thousands from their homes this year in Brazil's most populous states, a disaster experts blame on climate upheaval but also rampant urbanization.</p>

<p>Flash floods, landslides and other havoc wrought by torrential rain have killed at least 29 people in recent days in the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Another 25 are missing.</p>

<p>That comes after more than 50 people were killed by heavy rain that devastated the state of Minas Gerais in January.</p>

<p>The same scenes of destruction have played out in all three southeastern states, together home to more than 83 million people: poor neighbourhoods wiped out by tidal waves of brown mud; houses and cars swept away by flash floods; residents evacuated by boat and helicopter as their streets turn to gushing rivers.</p>

<p>More than three million people live in high-risk zones in Brazil's southeast, which has been hit by record rain this year -- in some places, a month's worth in a matter of hours.</p>

<p>As dozens of rescue workers dug through the debris of wrecked houses for his missing mother, stepfather and sister-in-law, one of those affected, 24-year-old Yago de Sousa Nunes, voiced frustration that the authorities did not do more to protect the at-risk population.</p>

<p>"The city government knew this was a high-risk zone, they knew how much rain was going to fall this week, but they didn't do anything to evacuate people," he said alongside the ruins of the Barreira de Joao Guarda neighbourhood, in the coastal city of Guaruja, Sao Paulo.</p>

<p><strong>Extreme weather</strong></p>

<p>Is climate change to blame?</p>

<p>Experts say more studies are needed to be sure.</p>

<p>But there is no doubt the region is experiencing "an increase in extreme weather events," said Andrea Ramos of the National Meteorological Institute.</p>

<p>This year, the rainy season in southeastern Brazil has been marked by extremes, said Marcelo Seluchi of the Natural Disaster Monitoring and Alert Center (Cemaden): very dry in the first half of the summer, then very wet from mid-January on.</p>

<p>"The planet is heating up, that's beyond doubt. It's more humid than 50 or 100 years ago, which means the same weather systems have more potential to create rain," he said.</p>

<p>That has combined with the rampant expansion of urban areas to increase people's vulnerability to floods.</p>

<p>Brazil's biggest cities have seen decades of nearly unchecked growth, as poor migrants arrive and settle wherever they can, often building unstable shantytowns on hillsides or the extreme city outskirts.</p>

<p>"Population growth and the growth of cities means we're replacing vegetation with cement, and that's where a long-standing problem in Brazil comes into play: lots of building on high-risk areas," Seluchi told AFP.</p>

<p>More than half the population of the southeast region's state capitals -- Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Vitoria -- lives in at-risk zones. And 80 per cent of those people are "highly vulnerable: they live in very precarious houses, with high population density and a high percentage of children and the elderly," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Housing problem</strong></p>

<p>Rio de Janeiro's Mayor Marcelo Crivella, a far-right evangelical Christian bishop, caused outrage amid the floods when he blamed residents for the destruction.</p>

<p>"People like to live close (to flood-prone rivers and gulleys) because they spend less on sewage pipes for their pee and poop," he said.</p>

<p>Unaffordable housing costs have forced the urban poor into areas unfit for settlements, said Henrique Evers, an urban development expert at the World Resources Institute.</p>

<p>"Planning housing for vulnerable populations near urban services is one of the best ways to deal with this challenge," he said.</p>

<p>"Brazil still has a long way to go."</p>


Violent rain has killed scores of people and forced thousands from their homes this year in Brazil's most populous states, a disaster experts blame on climate upheaval but also rampant urbanization.

Violent rain has killed scores of people and forced thousands from their homes this year in Brazil's most populous states, a disaster experts blame on climate upheaval but also rampant urbanization. Flash floods, landslides and other havoc wrought by torrential rain have killed at least 29 people in recent days in the states of Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Another 25 are missing. That comes after more than 50 people were killed by heavy rain that devastated the state of Minas Gerais in January. The same scenes of destruction have played out in all three southeastern states, together home to more than 83 million people: poor neighbourhoods wiped out by tidal waves of brown mud; houses and cars swept away by flash floods; residents evacuated by boat and helicopter as their streets turn to gushing rivers. More than three million people live in high-risk zones in Brazil's southeast, which has been hit by record rain this year -- in some places, a month's worth in a matter of hours. As dozens of rescue workers dug through the debris of wrecked houses for his missing mother, stepfather and sister-in-law, one of those affected, 24-year-old Yago de Sousa Nunes, voiced frustration that the authorities did not do more to protect the at-risk population. "The city government knew this was a high-risk zone, they knew how much rain was going to fall this week, but they didn't do anything to evacuate people," he said alongside the ruins of the Barreira de Joao Guarda neighbourhood, in the coastal city of Guaruja, Sao Paulo. Extreme weather Is climate change to blame? Experts say more studies are needed to be sure. But there is no doubt the region is experiencing "an increase in extreme weather events," said Andrea Ramos of the National Meteorological Institute. This year, the rainy season in southeastern Brazil has been marked by extremes, said Marcelo Seluchi of the Natural Disaster Monitoring and Alert Center (Cemaden): very dry in the first half of the summer, then very wet from mid-January on. "The planet is heating up, that's beyond doubt. It's more humid than 50 or 100 years ago, which means the same weather systems have more potential to create rain," he said. That has combined with the rampant expansion of urban areas to increase people's vulnerability to floods. Brazil's biggest cities have seen decades of nearly unchecked growth, as poor migrants arrive and settle wherever they can, often building unstable shantytowns on hillsides or the extreme city outskirts. "Population growth and the growth of cities means we're replacing vegetation with cement, and that's where a long-standing problem in Brazil comes into play: lots of building on high-risk areas," Seluchi told AFP. More than half the population of the southeast region's state capitals -- Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Vitoria -- lives in at-risk zones. And 80 per cent of those people are "highly vulnerable: they live in very precarious houses, with high population density and a high percentage of children and the elderly," he said. Housing problem Rio de Janeiro's Mayor Marcelo Crivella, a far-right evangelical Christian bishop, caused outrage amid the floods when he blamed residents for the destruction. "People like to live close (to flood-prone rivers and gulleys) because they spend less on sewage pipes for their pee and poop," he said. Unaffordable housing costs have forced the urban poor into areas unfit for settlements, said Henrique Evers, an urban development expert at the World Resources Institute. "Planning housing for vulnerable populations near urban services is one of the best ways to deal with this challenge," he said. "Brazil still has a long way to go."

Chaotic climate, chaotic cities fuel Brazil flood toll

<p>Torrential rain left at least 10 people dead in Rio de Janeiro, officials said, as emergency workers rescued people trapped by the downpour and clean-up efforts gathered pace.</p>

<p>The unusually heavy rain began on Monday evening and continued into Tuesday, triggering widespread flash flooding that turned some streets into raging rivers, toppled trees and swept away cars as the state emergency agency declared a crisis.</p>

<p>The southern zone of the city, which includes the tourist hotspots Copacabana and Ipanema as well as several impoverished favela areas, has been hardest hit.</p>

<p>Heavy runoff from neighbouring hills gushed through some apartment buildings and shops, leaving behind mud and debris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bodies of three people were found in a car buried behind an upmarket shopping center on Tuesday afternoon, while two women died when a house in a favela collapsed, the Fire Department said in a statement. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The other victims included a man who died after he was electrocuted in a house and another who was caught in a torrent of water.</p>

<p>The ferocity of the storm stunned some residents, who are long used to wild weather battering their city.</p>

<p>"I've never seen or witnessed anything like this. I've seen it happen elsewhere but never here," Guillerme de Oliveira, 59, said.</p>

<p>"I'm really amazed at all of this."</p>

<p>Cars and public buses were crushed by fallen trees, and sections of streets were ripped up by the force of the water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Many people returning home Monday evening or trying to go to work on Tuesday were drenched as they waded through knee-deep water in the relentless downpour.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some people climbed fences to avoid flooded streets, while others tied plastic bags around their feet to protect themselves from the polluted water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Beaches normally packed with people sunbathing or playing sports were empty as brown water flowed into the ocean.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Many houses in Rio are built in areas that are inappropriate, in places where water flows. It's a tragedy and we have tried to warn these people," Rio de Janeiro mayor Marcelo Crivella told local media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Schools throughout the city suspended classes and power was knocked out in some areas as heavy rain complicated rescue and clean-up efforts.</p>

<p>Crivella said the downpour had been "totally atypical."</p>

<p>Rio de Janeiro state governor Wilson Witzel expressed sympathy for the "families of the victims" on Twitter.</p>

<p>"The whole state is helping in what is necessary," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Heavy rain often causes flash flooding in Rio de Janeiro as the volume of water overwhelms the city's creaky infrastructure and brings traffic to a grinding halt.</p>

<p>Favelas, which often lack proper streets and sanitation, are spread across hills throughout the city and are usually the hardest hit by heavy downpours.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a scathing editorial on Tuesday, the powerful O Globo media group skewered government authorities for doing "practically nothing" to prepare for what it described as a "predictable phenomenon."</p>

<p>"Once again, what we saw was a show of incompetence, except for honourable exceptions like firefighters," the editorial said.</p>

<p>"After so many tragedies ... it was hoped that the city would have learned something."</p>

<p>City government spending on projects including drainage works fell more than 79 per cent in 2016 to 2018, economic news site Valor reported.</p>

<p>Torrential rain in February killed at least six people in Rio de Janeiro.</p>


Torrential rain left at least 10 people dead in Rio de Janeiro, officials said, as emergency workers rescued people trapped by the downpour and clean-up efforts gathered pace.

Torrential rain left at least 10 people dead in Rio de Janeiro, officials said, as emergency workers rescued people trapped by the downpour and clean-up efforts gathered pace. The unusually heavy rain began on Monday evening and continued into Tuesday, triggering widespread flash flooding that turned some streets into raging rivers, toppled trees and swept away cars as the state emergency agency declared a crisis. The southern zone of the city, which includes the tourist hotspots Copacabana and Ipanema as well as several impoverished favela areas, has been hardest hit. Heavy runoff from neighbouring hills gushed through some apartment buildings and shops, leaving behind mud and debris. The bodies of three people were found in a car buried behind an upmarket shopping center on Tuesday afternoon, while two women died when a house in a favela collapsed, the Fire Department said in a statement. The other victims included a man who died after he was electrocuted in a house and another who was caught in a torrent of water. The ferocity of the storm stunned some residents, who are long used to wild weather battering their city. "I've never seen or witnessed anything like this. I've seen it happen elsewhere but never here," Guillerme de Oliveira, 59, said. "I'm really amazed at all of this." Cars and public buses were crushed by fallen trees, and sections of streets were ripped up by the force of the water. Many people returning home Monday evening or trying to go to work on Tuesday were drenched as they waded through knee-deep water in the relentless downpour. Some people climbed fences to avoid flooded streets, while others tied plastic bags around their feet to protect themselves from the polluted water. Beaches normally packed with people sunbathing or playing sports were empty as brown water flowed into the ocean. "Many houses in Rio are built in areas that are inappropriate, in places where water flows. It's a tragedy and we have tried to warn these people," Rio de Janeiro mayor Marcelo Crivella told local media. Schools throughout the city suspended classes and power was knocked out in some areas as heavy rain complicated rescue and clean-up efforts. Crivella said the downpour had been "totally atypical." Rio de Janeiro state governor Wilson Witzel expressed sympathy for the "families of the victims" on Twitter. "The whole state is helping in what is necessary," he said. Heavy rain often causes flash flooding in Rio de Janeiro as the volume of water overwhelms the city's creaky infrastructure and brings traffic to a grinding halt. Favelas, which often lack proper streets and sanitation, are spread across hills throughout the city and are usually the hardest hit by heavy downpours. In a scathing editorial on Tuesday, the powerful O Globo media group skewered government authorities for doing "practically nothing" to prepare for what it described as a "predictable phenomenon." "Once again, what we saw was a show of incompetence, except for honourable exceptions like firefighters," the editorial said. "After so many tragedies ... it was hoped that the city would have learned something." City government spending on projects including drainage works fell more than 79 per cent in 2016 to 2018, economic news site Valor reported. Torrential rain in February killed at least six people in Rio de Janeiro.

10 dead as heavy rains lash Brazil; several tourist spots hit

brazil-floods

Brazil Floods, News on Brazil Floods, stories on Brazil Floods, articles on Brazil Floods, Brazil Floods stories at Wion, Brazil Floods news, Brazil Floods latest news

brazil floods

Brazil floods: Porto Alegre may suffer severe flooding for weeks to come, experts warn

Extreme Flooding: The new climate normal

Deaths in Brazil floods rise to 107, horse rescued from rooftop

Extreme Flooding: The new climate normal

Brazil floods destroy nearly 100,000 homes, death toll surpasses 100

Fresh rains hinder rescue efforts in flood-ravaged southern Brazil

Gisele Bündchen urges fans to donate for Brazil floods in an emotional message

Brazil floods: Nearly 70,000 forced from homes, death toll at 57

Over 12,000 people displaced in flood-hit Brazilian state

Brazil’s south braces for another storm after facing deadly cyclone last week

Brazil floods kill 40, three dozen missing; President Lula da Silva calls for safer housing

In Pics | Floods and landslides batter Brazil, killing 36 people

WION Climate Tracker: Torrential rain inundates southern Brazil; emergency in 17 cities

Death toll in Brazilian floods rises to 106, 10 still missing

Brazil flood: Death toll reaches 57, thousands displaced

Several parts of Brazil are under water after weeks of heavy rainfall

Amazon rivers in Brazil are swelling to record levels

Chaotic climate, chaotic cities fuel Brazil flood toll

10 dead as heavy rains lash Brazil; several tourist spots hit