The number of people killed in the severe floods that hit the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul, in the far south of the country, since April 29 increased this Sunday to 169. The information was provided by the Rio Grande do Sul Civil Protection Service. in a new partial assessment of the tragedy published this Sunday, following the discovery in the waters of three more fatal victims of the worst flood in the history of the region.
The number of deaths, unfortunately, could be even higher. In addition to the 56 people missing nearly a month after the state’s worst climate tragedy began, more people have fallen victim to infectious diseases caused by contact with contaminated water, and four deaths have already been confirmed from leptospirosis, a disease caused by contact with rat urine. .
The number of homeless people, once more than 650,000, continues to decline, but at an extremely slow pace. The statewide homeless count remains at 637,451, according to Sunday’s balance sheet, most of whom have no idea when or if they will be able to return to their homes, most of which are completely destroyed or severely damaged.
Of the 497 municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, 469 were affected by subsequent heavy rains and flooding, which continue to be fueled by new waves of rain that, although less intense, worsen the problem as they accumulate. those that have already flooded the region. In the state capital, Porto Alegre, large parts of the neighborhood are still flooded by the rising waters of the Guaiba River, which overflows its banks and begins to flood the city at a height of 3 meters and which this Sunday reached 4.13 meters, i.e. At least 1.13 meters of water still remains above the streets and avenues, as well as inside people’s homes.