Flood-Hit Brazilian State Facing Its 'Biggest Climate Disaster'

An extreme weather alert was in place on Thursday, May 2, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul after flooding left at least 10 people dead and 21 missing, local news said.

“The current event will be the biggest climate disaster our state has ever faced,” Eduardo Leite, the governor of Rio Grande do Sul, said.

“People should not leave their houses as the worst moment will happen during the coming morning,” he said on Wednesday night.

A state of public calamity was declared in the province, and the Civil Defense of Rio Grande do Sul issued a warning of intense rain through May 3.

The National Institute of Meteorology said storms of “strong intensity” could be expected in the coming days. Credit: Prefeitura de Putinga RS via Storyful

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