The death toll from heavy rains that have caused flooding in Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul has risen to at least 78, local authorities said on Sunday, with more than 115,000 people displaced. The death toll could still substantially increase as 105 people were reported missing on Sunday, up from about 70 the prior day, according to the state civil defense authority. In Porto Alegre, the Guaiba lake breached its banks, hitting the highest water level on record, according to the national geological service. In the city of Canoas, near Porto Alegre, Julio Manichesque, 76, was rescued by volunteers after he had stayed since Friday on the roof of the house where he has lived for 52 years. During his weekly address to crowds in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, Pope Francis said on Sunday he was praying for the people of Rio Grande do Sul.

Source: Bueno Aires Herald May 06, 2024 12:26 UTC