The death toll in Brazil rose to 90 as the devastating floods continued into their second week. The state’s Civil defence agency reported that four additional deaths are currently under investigation. According to news agency Reuters, thousands of people have been left homeless by the floods.
As the rescue operation continues, the city of Porto Alegre, the capital of the state, has become isolated due to the extensive flooding. The floods have also hampered the progress of the rescue teams in different locations. The situation has been exacerbated by power outages, a shortage of basic necessities, and limited access to clean water. The floods in Brazil have affected over a million people, either directly or indirectly.
Govt Reinforces For Economic Impact
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the President of Brazil, assured on a state-run TV program that federal assistance would be provided to those impacted. Lula da Silva recently conducted an aerial survey over the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul to evaluate the situation and the degree of destruction caused by the flood. He was joined by many members of his Cabinet. Nevertheless, according to an official proclamation, the government pointed out that it won’t be feasible to estimate the scope of damage until the waters from Brazil’s ‘most severe weather catastrophe’ recede.
The ripple effects of the flood may also be felt in Brazil’s economic expansion, according to financial analysts at JP Morgan. They foresee a marginal surge in Brazil’s inflation rate, primarily attributable to the increased cost of rice harvested in Rio Grande do Sul. To mitigate these repercussions, it’s reported that the government is resorting to rice imports to keep the market balanced.
Climate specialists attribute the intense precipitation in the region to the El Niño event, which heats up the Pacific Ocean and subsequently leads to increased rainfall in southern Brazil. In met’s research, the scientists have also highlighted that such occurrences are exacerbated by global warming, leading to erratic weather patterns.
