The death toll from heavy rains in Brasil’s Rio Grande do Sul state is expected to continue rising.
Latest reports put the toll at 143.
Another 125 people remain unaccounted for with water levels rising.
The government has announced around 12.1 billion reais ($2.34 billion) in emergency spending to deal with the crisis, which has displaced more than 538,000 people in the state, out of a population of around 10.9 million.
Brasil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says the state will rebuild what was destroyed, while U.S. President Joe Biden says his administration is in contact with Brasil’s government to provide assistance.
Water levels have been rising once more to record highs on the Guaiba lake, near the capital Porto Alegre.
The state is at a geographical meeting point between tropical and polar atmospheres, which has created a weather pattern with periods of intense rains or drought.
Local scientists believe the pattern has been intensifying due to climate change.
Much of the state capital, Porto Alegre, has been plunged into darkness by the flood, which has damaged power and water treatment plants, also leaving most residents without drinking water.
About 70,000 people are living in temporary shelters.
The continuous rainfall is a constant reminder of the fragility of life in this flood-prone city.
The fear of further flooding looms large, casting a shadow over the already devastated communities.
Despite the devastation and despair, there are glimmers of hope.
Churches, community centres, and volunteers have been coming together to provide support and assistance to those in need.
Donations pour in from across Brazil, and people from all walks of life are lending a helping hand.
