Death toll from floods in Brazil rises to 127
It has been reported that the number of people who lost their lives in the floods caused by heavy rainfall in Brazil has risen to 127, while the number of missing persons has reached 141.
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The loss of life and property continues to rise in the floods that have occurred following the rainfall that has been effective since last week in the state of Rio Grande do Sul in the south of the country.
In a statement made by the state's Civil Defense, it was noted that the number of deaths has risen to 127 and the number of missing persons to 141.
The statement, which reported that 756 injured people have been taken under treatment in hospitals, indicated that search and rescue efforts are continuing without interruption.
The statement emphasized that the number of people negatively affected by the floods is approaching 2 million, and stated that 71,409 people are being temporarily sheltered in schools, sports halls, and churches.
Minister of Regional Development Waldez Goe emphasized in his statement that the situation in the state is extremely "worrying" and said that new rainfall is making their work even more difficult.
It was shared that 70,863 people and 9,984 animals have been rescued from the disaster areas so far in the relief efforts supported by the military and police.
On the other hand, the government of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva announced an aid package worth 9.8 billion dollars for the reconstruction of the state of Rio Grande do Sul.
STATE OF DISASTER HAD BEEN DECLARED
Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite, in a statement on May 3, stated that there are still areas they cannot reach, saying, "We are going through an extremely exceptional situation. This is not a critical event, it is the most devastating event in the history of the state."
Leite had said that due to the magnitude of the tragedy, they had declared a "state of disaster" for 180 days and were making serious efforts for the evacuation of people.
President Lula da Silva, who visited the areas affected by the disaster twice, had stated that they would get the region back on its feet.