The death toll in Brazil rose to 29 on Thursday as heavy rains persisted in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, with search efforts ongoing for 60 individuals reported missing.
The prolonged rainfall has caused widespread devastation, impacting 154 towns and affecting 71,300 people, according to Rio Grande do Sul’s civil defense department.
Governor Eduardo Leite underscored the challenges in reaching all affected areas and warned of the possibility of further casualties. Search and rescue operations, utilizing land, sea, and air resources, are underway.
In response to the crisis, Leite declared a “state of disaster” for 180 days and emphasized ongoing efforts to evacuate residents from affected areas.–News Desk