“More than 60 cities affected by heavy storms, with additional rains expected to hit already devastated areas”

An extratropical cyclone in southern Brazil has triggered severe flooding, resulting in at least 31 deaths and leaving more than 1,600 people homeless. The cyclone, which began battering the region on Monday night, has affected over 60 cities. According to Eduardo Leite, the governor of Rio Grande do Sul, this storm has caused the highest death toll in the state due to a climate-related disaster.

Rescue operations have been intensified, particularly around the Taquari Valley, located approximately 150 km (93 miles) northwest of the state’s capital, Porto Alegre, where most of the damage and fatalities occurred. Helicopters were dispatched to the Rio Pardo Valley on Wednesday to assist in search and rescue efforts.

These floods are part of a series of devastating climate events across Brazil in recent months. Earlier this year, São Paulo state experienced extensive rainfall, which caused landslides and flooding, killing more than 50 people.

Further heavy rainfall is expected in the center-south region of Rio Grande do Sul, although the worst-hit areas might be spared from the worst of the downpours. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has offered federal support, and two government ministers were sent to the affected state to oversee rescue operations. Vice President Geraldo Alckmin is also on standby to travel to the region if needed.

Authorities have issued flood alerts for the Jacui, Cai, and Taquari Rivers, as water levels remain high and the risk of further flooding persists.