70,000 People Are Forced From Their Houses By Flooding In Southern Brazil

Widespread Devastation Across Southern Brazil

The Brazilian states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, and Paraná have been hardest hit by relentless rainfall over the past week. Rivers have overflowed, triggering flash floods and landslides that have destroyed homes and infrastructure.

• Rio Grande do Sul – The most severely affected state, where entire neighborhoods are underwater. Officials report that thousands of families have been evacuated, and power outages have left many without electricity.
• Santa Catarina – Heavy rains have caused landslides in rural areas, blocking roads and stranding residents.
• Paraná – Several towns are struggling with rising river levels, threatening more evacuations.

Authorities warn that floodwaters are still rising in some areas, leaving many communities stranded and in urgent need of rescue.

Rescue and Relief Efforts Underway

Brazilian emergency response teams are working around the clock to evacuate residents, provide relief supplies, and search for missing individuals. The Brazilian Army, Civil Defense, and volunteer groups are using boats and helicopters to reach isolated communities.

“We are prioritizing the elderly, children, and those in immediate danger,” said Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite, who has called for national and international aid to assist in the crisis.

Relief camps have been set up for evacuees, but food, clean water, and medical supplies are running low. Many displaced families are sheltering in schools, churches, and community centers, with uncertainty about when they can return home.

Fatalities and Missing Persons

Local authorities have confirmed at least 12 deaths, with fears that the number could rise as search efforts continue. Many rural communities remain cut off, making it difficult to assess the full scale of the disaster.

Rescue workers have also reported dozens of missing persons, prompting intensified efforts to locate survivors. The Brazilian government has urged residents in high-risk areas to evacuate immediately as conditions worsen.

What Caused the Extreme Flooding?

Meteorologists attribute the flooding to a combination of factors, including:

• Intense and prolonged rainfall – A weather system has stalled over the region, dumping excessive amounts of rain.
• Deforestation and urbanization – Reduced natural drainage has increased flood risks.
• Climate change – Experts warn that global warming is intensifying extreme weather patterns, leading to heavier rainfall and stronger storms.

“The amount of rain we’re seeing is far above historical averages for this time of year,” said climate scientist Carlos Nobre. “Climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and more severe.”

Government Response and Calls for Action

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has pledged federal support, mobilizing resources for rescue, relief, and rebuilding efforts.

“We stand with the people of southern Brazil during this difficult time,” Lula stated. “We will do everything necessary to rebuild communities and support those affected.”

Environmental groups are calling for better flood management policies, including:

• Stronger infrastructure to withstand heavy rains.
• Better urban planning to reduce flooding in cities.
• Stricter environmental protections to combat deforestation, which contributes to worsening floods.

What’s Next?

Weather forecasts indicate that rain will continue in the coming days, raising concerns about further displacement and destruction. Emergency responders are urging people to stay alert and follow evacuation orders.

As southern Brazil faces one of its worst flooding disasters in recent history, communities are bracing for the long road to recovery.