The death toll from rains in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul rose to 57, local authorities said on Saturday (May 4) afternoon, while dozens still have not been accounted for.

State of Rio Grande do Sul

Dozens Missing Amid Record-Breaking Brazil Flooding

The death toll in Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to 57, according to statements made by local authorities. This spike in fatalities comes as the region has been besieged by torrential rains, leading to widespread flooding that has not only claimed lives but also left dozens unaccounted for.

Rio Grande do Sul, which shares its borders with Uruguay and Argentina, has seen a significant impact on its communities due to the storms. Authorities have reported that over 32,000 individuals have been displaced as a result of the adverse weather conditions. The severe storms have prompted an array of disasters including landslides and the partial collapse of a dam at a small hydroelectric power plant, with warnings that a second dam could also be in jeopardy.

The state's geographical position, at the juncture of tropical and polar atmospheric zones, contributes to its unique weather patterns. These patterns are characterized by alternating periods of intense rainfall and drought. Local scientists attribute the intensification of these weather phenomena to the effects of climate change, suggesting that such extreme weather events may become more frequent and severe in the future.



Dozens missing amid record-breaking Brazil flooding

Dozens have died in the heavy rains that have wreaked havoc on Brazil's southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul, with scores more unaccounted for. That's according to local authorities speaking on Saturday. Storms have affected hundreds of cities in the state, which borders Uruguay and Argentina. More than 32,000 people have been displaced, according to the state's civil defense authority. The storms have triggered landslides and the partial collapse of a dam at a small hydroelectric power plant, with authorities saying a second dam is also at risk. The state is at a geographical meeting point between tropical and polar atmospheres, which has created a weather pattern with periods of intense rain and others of drought. Local scientists believe the pattern has been intensifying due to climate change.

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