Death and missing toll rises in flood disaster

In a statement made by the state's Civil Defense, it was stated that the number of deaths has risen to 57, and the number of missing persons to 70.

Noting that 74 injured people have been taken to hospitals, the statement expressed that search and rescue efforts are continuing without interruption.

According to local media, 377 thousand 497 people have been adversely affected by the floods, and serious damage has occurred in 281 towns.

"THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE EVENT IN THE STATE'S HISTORY"

Rio Grande do Sul Governor Eduardo Leite, in his press statement, stated that there are still areas they cannot reach, saying, "We are going through an extremely exceptional situation. This is not a critical event, but the most destructive event in the history of the state."

Leite had stated that due to the magnitude of the tragedy, they declared a "state of disaster" for 180 days and were making serious efforts to evacuate people from the disaster zone.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who visited the region, expressed that they are providing full support to the state as the government, stating, "As the federal government, we will do whatever is necessary to meet all needs. We will provide 100 percent support for the repair of the damage."

News Source: AA