Brazilian officials have raised the count of missing people from 25 to 46 after a destructive cyclone in the south.
This event also resulted in 41 deaths. Civil defense teams in Rio Grande do Sul state confirm that search efforts are ongoing five days later.
The severe weather hit 85 towns. Over 10,000 people had to evacuate their homes. Latest numbers show that more than 135,000 people are affected.
Eduardo Leite, the governor, expressed hope for quick recovery in Muçum, the town hit hardest. Muçum saw at least 15 deaths.
Around 1,000 rescue workers and about ten helicopters have joined the search. Two bridges are destroyed, and several routes are blocked.
The weather remains unstable due to a cold front from Uruguay.
A 75-year-old resident, Nelson Noll, called the situation unprecedented in Roca Sales. Ten bodies were found there.
Brazil often faces extreme weather, and scientists suggest this is linked to global warming.
In June, another cyclone caused at least 13 deaths in the same state. Thousands had to evacuate or lost their homes.
In February, 65 people died from landslides due to heavy rainfall in Sao Sebastiao, a beach town near Sao Paulo.
Background
This event marks the latest in a series of weather-related tragedies in Brazil, heightening concerns about climate change.
Interestingly, the affected Rio Grande do Sul state is part of Brazil’s agricultural heartland.
Disruptions in this area could have far-reaching economic implications, affecting both local communities and national exports.
The governor’s quick pledge to rebuild Muçum offers some hope, but execution will be key.
Governmental and non-governmental organizations must likely work together for effective disaster response and rebuilding.
Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather, resilience planning should also become a priority.
With 135,000 people affected, the social fabric of these communities will undergo a stress test.
Support networks, both formal and informal, will be crucial for recovery.